Jamaica, a gem

I remember how surprised I was some years ago, listening to someone from Grace Kennedy Ltd. a radio interview saying there were kids in Rae Town, which is near their Harbor Street headquarters, who had never been above Cross Roads in Kingston.

He was speaking about one of Grace’s outreach programs which involves after school activities in the nearby inner cities, where many kids were extremely marginalized. His tale about Cross Roads, arose as he was speaking about a discovery he made when  they took some kids from the area to Hope Gardens.

That eye opener came back to me today as I was speaking to a fellow Jamaican who I met in Ft. Lauderdale Florida.

She was in her early seventies’ and had migrated from Jamaica about forty years ago, after having her children.

The usual conversation between Jamaicans who meet overseas, always comes around to what part of Jamaica we each hail from.

 She told me she was from Kingston, Vineyard Town to be exact. What shocked me though was when she admitted that she had never visited any of Jamaica’s twelve other parishes!

Wow, I wonder if it is because I was from the country, St. Elizabeth, to be precise , why I assumed there was no Jamaican who had never been to another parish?           For I am positive that Just about every country person must have visited the capital, Kingston, if for no other reason, to conduct business. For all major departments are located there and very few have country branches. So, to get anything done, you have to travel to Kingston via other parishes, even if you don’t stop!                               Or maybe it is that I am unusually faas so must always know as much as possible about any place I am!😅

When I enquired how come she had never traveled to another parish she said her entire family was in Kingston, so she had no reason to go elsewhere.

Makes sense I guess, but it left me wondering how many thousands of my fellow Jamaicans had a similar story.

I used to look down on some Americans as being parochial and backwards when I heard they had never been outside their state. But America is huge by comparison so I guess that’s comparing apples and oranges.

That’s the point though, for with Jamaica is so small, it’s hard to comprehend what restricts adults from moving around our tiny, beautiful island which some people ride around and even walk around without much stress!

If its even for school outings.

When I was at school, we often traveled by bus to other places to participate in sports or to cheer on our teams.

Lots of schools had outings. I remember running into about 50 kids at Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay. They told me they were from a primary school in Kingston and were on a school outing.

Paul Bogle's museum in Stony Gut, abandoned!

I really think such think school outings should be as much a part of school activities as math and English. How it would foster pride in our country with its unique natural beauty among other things, if we all new about this little paradise of ours.

Many decades ago, when I went to school, Civics was also part of the curriculum. Every child knew something about the structure of the country, its government etc. Now it seems such general knowledge is mainly restricted to those who are being prepared for things like School Challenge Quiz.

What a shame. There is so much more to our country than crime and violence.

If the Ministry of Education made provisions for school outings, I am sure important institutions  like the White Marl Museum in St. Catherine and Paul Bogle’s Memorial at Stony Gut would not be closed down because of lack of visitors.

Maybe I am being simplistic but I am positive that if we knew more about our gem known as Jamaica, we would   cherish it more and not allow politicians not make such a mess of it!

Would we?

4th of July

This year, I went to my first Fourth of July event, since becoming a citizen of the USA.

This was hosted by Tamarac City at the Sports Complex. The package included lots of music and at nine pm, fireworks.

                                    

The music was provided by the Cachet Band, which has been in business for over 20 years and describes itself as playing a wide range of musc.

                                    

This is a really high energy band with excellent musicians and singers who had the audience getting up off their feet and rocking on a regular basis, as they belted out popular pop and Latin music.

Posing with Mayor Michelle

As a Jamaican, I was however very disappointed that they never played even one Reggae piece of music much less Soca or Calypso!

For one of the things I love about the city of Tamarac, is how integrated it is with a mixture of born American and host of Latinos and Caribbean people all living together in harmony.

The Mayor was everywere

Tamarac has a very good Mayor too in the person of Michelle Gomez. Not only is she high energy and an excellent Mayor, but also, I have been to City Hall where I have observed that the workers there represent all the groups that make up this great city.

So having Cachet, as good as they were, dissing us Caribbean people, really hurt!

Ours was a peaceful, family day. 

I say that, as these days, living in America and going to events where two or three are gathered, can be hazardous to your health and life.

Look at what happened in Chicago as Americans gathered to celebrate their special day.

In case you have not heard, this was the day that a vicious killer, allegedly a Robert Crimo 111, climbed on to the roof of a building in Highland Park, in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and using a rifle made for warfare, murdered seven people and injured 31 others, who had simply gone out with their families to enjoy an independence parade.

This is just another occasion in which much less persons could be killed or harmed if ordinary civilians were not allowed to purchase and carry rapid fire weapons of war.

But the Republicans, who are in the pocket of the NRA, (National Rifle Association) refuse to keep these weapons off the streets.

It was therefore not surprising that this latest alleged  murderer was a Republican who frequented Trump rallies as numerous pictures and videos have emerged showing him present there.

We in Tamarac are grateful that our event was peaceful and full of comradery and good music.

There were a number of officers from the Sherriff’s department constantly circling the grounds on golf cars, so if that is what contributed to us having a peaceful fun filled family affair appropriately finished off with half hour of quality fireworks lighting up the skies, we are thankful.

Jungle Queen flex

The dinner cruise of the Jungle Queen is by far the best value or money I have seen in 

Florida.

Of course, I could be unkind and say that since they have been at it since 1935, it should be. But that isn’t necessarily true at all. So, whoever operates this fling must be credited for monitoring things daily to ensure that it does not go awry. 

The operators have a pictoral journey of the cruise from 1935

I had the opportunity to go on that cruise in July 2022, when it was organized by the planner extraordinaire, Charlene Nevaomski of the Tamarac Senior Center.

Everything from that side went perfectly and my only complaint is that we were boarded so early on the boat that we had to sit in the sun for quite a while.

 That was a real scorcher.

In fact, I did a review on Trip Advisor, suggesting that they install fans on the boat to deal with that problem.

A selfie on board with my friend Carol

I had actually been on that sea route around Ft. Lauderdale before a few years ago, on the Water Taxi but this was far more delightful and the information on board far more comprehensive.

Water Taxi approaching

It’s always great to see how the super rich and sometimes infamous live. The various size yachts often tell that story.

Judge Judy’s is called “Your honor!"😏

On the trip down to the tropical setting where we had dinner, the narration was comprehensive and at times humorous.

When we got to the Jungle Queen Island, friendly staff were dockside to welcome us and amazingly, we barely sat down before the  sumption ‘all you can eat barbecue’ was on the tables. And boy wasn't that barbecue ribs to die for!

During dinner there was a great cabaret singer who had me getting out of my seat to shake a leg at times.

The setting the food the ambiance was really great.

They did try and succeed in recreating a jungle setting with lovely birds in cages which we were warned not to get too friendly with, as they were not very accommodating,

After dinner there was an extremely professionally choreographed stage show, featuring musicians, a magician, a comedian and a Polynesian troop of dancers with a fearless fire eater.

As I said earlier, it’s the best value you can get for your money in Ft. Lauderdale.

Really good stuff.

 

Race war imminent?

 If you believe some white supremacists in the USA, they would not like anything better than a race war. And they are not shy about posting videos on the internet calling for it.

Most importantly,  they are arming themselves for it. 

Apparently, the ordinary armed civilians are not the only ones we have to worry about most, but also the number of Ku Klux Klan and other such dangerous supremacists, who have infiltrated police departments.

One of the most explosive threats from such cops became public by accident when three cops in Wilmington, NC, were caught on their own body cams discussing killing black people.

They were; Michael ‘Kevin’ Piner, James ‘Brian’ Gilmore, and Jessie E. Moore II. 

 LINK; Three North Carolina police officers fired after audit uncovered racist video - YouTube

This summary was posted ; “Moore began telling Piner about an arrest he had made at work the day before. During that conversation, Moore refers to the female as a ‘negro’ and a ‘ni—-‘ on multiple occasions.”

“At one point, Moore states, “She needed a bullet in her head right then and move on. Let’s move the body out of the way and keep going.” Piner responds, ‘That’s what I have been trying to tell you,'” according to the documents.

He also referred to a magistrate judge, who is also black, as a ‘fucking negro magistrate.’

After more derogatory comments about the arrestee and the magistrate, the conversation takes an even bleaker turn, as the two officers discuss an upcoming ‘civil war.’

“Piner tells Moore later in the conversation that he feels a civil war is coming and he is ‘ready.’ Piner advised he is going to buy a new assault rifle in the next couple of weeks. A short time later Officer Piner began to discuss society being close to ‘martial law’ and soon ‘we are just gonna go out and start slaughtering them fucking ni*****. I can’t wait. God, I can’t wait.’ Moore responded that he would not do that. Piner stated, ‘I am ready,'” according to the summary.

“Officer Piner then explained to Cpl. Moore that he felt society needed a civil war to “wipe ’em off the fucking map. That’ll put ’em back about four or five generations.'”

Those cops were fired when the tape became public.

In April 2022, in Farmington Hills it was discovered that targets with images of Black men were used department's target practice area.

Concerns about the images were initially raised after a Boy Scout troop toured the building used for target practice by the Farmington Hills Police Department, according to CNN affiliate WXYZ.. A photo taken by an unidentified individual on the tour shows at least three hanging targets of Black men holding weapons and a group of children gathered around one of the posters.

Just another insight into the thoughts and plans of white supremacists in another department, manned by police who are armed by taxpayers to serve and protect all! 

What we don't know  however, is  how many other police forces throughout the country have dangerous armed cops like those hiding within their ranks, or where else black men are being used for target practice!

Up to this week, (June 27, 2020) in Akron, Ohio,another unarmed man, Jayland Walker, was killed when police shot him at least 60 times as he was running away following a traffic stop.

What is most telling though is the number of times we see how cops take down heavily armed white mass murderers unharmed, while murdering black men and women for the slightest auto infraction or misdemeanor!

He killed 2 men but was taken in unarmed!

America has indeed become an extremely dangerous place for non-whites, even children!.

 LINK cops caught talking and fantasizing about killing black people - YouTube

Keith Stoddart, a musical icon

 

Music lovers of all ages in both Jamaica and Florida know and revere the name Keith Stoddart.

He contributed greatly to the growth and development of Jamaican music as a Treasurer of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, for decades.

Stoddart left center at his last jam session

A versatile reggae/jazz/blues guitarist, he was a member of the most outstanding local bands in Jamaica including; Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Kes Chin and the Souvenirs, Sir Horace and the Merry Knights, and Sonny Bradshaw Quartet. 

He spent the last 20 years in Florida as an invaluable member of the cultural group; Tallawah Mento Band in Florida.

Stoddart who was ailing for quite a while, could still be heard playing his guitar almost up to the last. He died on Thursday, 23rd June 2022.

                                                                                                                                            

A musical tribute/jam session has been arranged in his honor by Tallawah Mento Band leader Colin Smith for Friday 1^st July 2022.

Walk good Keith. Your music plays on.

Reflections on aging

As I believe in reincarnation, I have no great interest in too long a life this time around.

My fervent hope is that when I can no longer be independent, including driving myself around, I will quickly transition into the next life.

Not often, but occasionally, I do see some older people who are really doing well who make me rethink my messages sent to the universe. 

Many of them, very fit eighty-five and up, attend exercise classes at the Tamarac Senior Center which I frequent. I always try and seek out such persons to see if they will impart some little special secret on how to live a long, healthy life.

My latest role model did not come from via that route though.

A happy Violet Edwards trailed by her daughter Dr. Christine Edwards

Her name is Violet Edwards and like me, she is a Jamaican. But that is where the similarity ends, for this lady is 96 years old and has just graduated with her Associate Degree in Science and Liberal Arts and rumor has it that she plans to move towards getting the full Bachelors!

Only five women have ever been recorded anywhere in the world, as getting a college degree while in their nineties.

AND A JAMAICAN IS ONE!

Can you imagine still studying at age 96 and beyond? 

Thats's just so awesome!

According to my information, Ms. Edwards postponed her college studies when she was younger, to put her daughter through medical school.

That sacrifice has paid huge dividends, not only for her family also but for numerous families in Coral Springs and surrounding areas, where Dr. Edwards, a Perinatologist, has an invaluable practice.

Consul General Oliver Mair presents the plaque.

So, while the world languished and fretted over Covid and other distractions, Ms. Edwards had returned to her studies and at a ceremony in Parkland, Florida on Saturday 25^th June 2020, she was presented with a well deserved Proclamation by Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami.

Many kudos to Ms. Violet Edwards, who attended Happy Grove High School in Portland, Jamaica, the parish of her birth.

And now she is giving back to young people in her country with a scholarship.

You can tell that keeping her mind active has had an astounding effect on her body also, for what part of this lady looks 96?

If I can look as young as she does and have the brilliant mind that she must have, I won’t grumble at all if I actually live to be 100!

Abortion

I fervently believe that every human adult has a right to be in control of their own body, period.

So, I am of course consumed by the madness in the USA, where a bunch of mostly white men, (plus Clarence Thomas who is an Uncle Tom!) had the gall to overturn Roe v Wade.  Ie. Now a woman has no control over what happens to her body and if she does what these men say she shouldn’t, she could become a criminal.

I was also sick to the stomach watching Donald Trump gloat that it was his selection of conservative judges that brought this about. This from a man whose main claim to fame is that he has been accused by more than twenty women for rape/sexual harassment and admittedly grabbing women by their pussies!

He is clearly reinforcing the theme popular in the white evangelical movement and among most male conservatives that women were put on earth to give men pleasure and are in no way, shape or form equal to men!

Can you imagine these heartess anti-abortion people have no concern where the mother’s health is at risk, or if the pregnancy of a child was caused impregnated through rape or incest! In such a case, it is the mental health of the child versus the fetus.

Can you imagine the mental damage it must do to the child to have to carry around the constant reminder of the trauma for months on end?

In my book, whether one is Republican, Democrat or no party, no one can be dogmatic about when a fetus becomes a human being. Is it when a heart-beat can be detected or when the fetus is capable of surviving on its own?

I have no idea and personally have no problem with early abortion, that is, when it is a mere egg mixed with some sperm.

Beyond that though, personally, it makes me a bit queasy.

HOWEVER ONLY THE WOMAN, HER CONSCIENCE, MEDICAL ADVISOR AND WHERE RELEVANT, FAMILY, should make that decision, certainly not men or government.

For if government is to get involved in what is done to people’s body, shouldn’t they start giving vasectomies to men who have a maximum two children and do not support them? For we know, that many women are forced to have abortions as they know they cannot afford to support a child.

In the great USA, almost 15 million children are found to live in poverty!

According to recent statistics, in the USA, there are more women registered to vote than men, (74.1% v 71.2%), so it seems to me that women need to be mobilized to decide who should be in control of their bodies.

Problem is, the Republicans who are the ones who are convinced that they were put on earth to control women, are much better political strategists than the Democrats who say they are for personal liberties.

Quite frankly, I find the Democrats quite ineffective and reactionary.

They never seem to be capable of developing plans and strategies to advance their policies, but instead are always bawling about what the Republicans are doing!

That’s why Lindsay Graham could boast that Republicans decided fifty years ago to overturn Roe v Wade and worked towards controlling the Supreme Court. That is why The NRA through the Republicans can keep weapons of war on the streets while the majority of the people in the USA oppose this policy.

So, what next? Watch the Republicans get rid of Obamacare and everthing else to help the poor and dispossessed, while the Democrats only bawl.