FREE | PAGES: 12 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER @ epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | VOL 215 >P3 P10: August 6 proclaimed as Jamaican Independence Day in Maryland P11: Glen Mills to be honoured in South Florida P4: Birth of Independence THE NORTH AMERICAN BRANDED CONTENT EDITION TRANS-CONTINENTAL ECONOCARIBE 147-46 176 STREET, JAMAICA, NEW YORK 11434 TEL: 718-244-7447, 718-341-2900 • BARRELS • CRATES • CARTONS • FURNITURE • APPLIANCES • BUILDING SUPPLIES • MEDICAL SUPPLIES • CARS KINGSTON, MONTEGO BAY, PORT OF SPAIN - TRINIDAD, GUYANA & OTHER ISLANDS WE SHIP DIRECTLY TO: SPECIALIZING IN RETURNING RESIDENTS COURT RULES DPP’S 3-YEAR EXTENSION LAWFUL A MAJOR victory was scored by the Government when the Full Court ruled that the threeyear extension granted to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn in 2020 was lawful.
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 PLANS ARE in high gear for the staging of Jamaica’s independence celebrations in a number of states, including Washington, DCMetropolitan Area, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and New York. The events have been organised by the Embassy of Jamaica, the consulate in New York, various honorary consuls, alongside various diaspora organisations. On August 19, the Jamaica Association of Maryland will stage its ‘Jamaica 61 Gala’ under the patronage of Ambassador Audrey Marks. The event will be held at Martin’s West ballroom, commencing at 8 p.m. Led by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia Christopher Chaplin, Jamaicans in Philadelphia will celebrate Jamaica 61 with a flag-raising ceremony on August 4 at the City Hall in Philadelphia, beginning at 10:30 a.m. On August 13, the ‘Jamaican Diaspora Pastors’ of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will hold a Jamaica 61 church service at the First African Baptist Church at 6700 Lansdow Avenue in Philadelphia, commencing at 4 p.m. In New York, the Jamaica 61 celebrations will take place on Independence Day, Sunday, August 6, with a church service at the New Life Tabernacle in Brooklyn, beginning at 4 p.m. The sermon will be delivered by the senior pastor of New Life, Bishop Michael Mitchell. Jamaica’s Consul General in New York Alison Wilson will deliver the welcome remarks. The consulate will continue its Independence activities which will feature a grand Independence Gala on August 19 at the New York Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The function is expected to recognise seven outstanding Jamaicans, including actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and recording artiste Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell. On August 26, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey will stage their 25th Anniversary and Independence Awards Gala at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Newark, New Jersey. The guest speaker will be Audrey Marks, while US CongresswomanYvette Clarke and comedian Oliver Samuels will be recognised by the organisation. In Atlanta, Georgia, the Independence activities begin on Saturday, August 12, when the Atlanta Jamaica Association will stage its annual Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel. Special guest will be Ambassador Audrey Marks, while the guest speaker will be President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Maryland, Dr Clare Nelson. On Sunday, August 13, the Benevolent Missions of Atlanta will stage its annual fundraising brunch at the Mayfair Tower in Atlanta, at which time Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks will deliver the keynote address. On August 20, starting at 3 p.m., the Jamaican community in Atlanta will attend an ecumenical thanksgiving church service at the PeachTree Road United Methodist Church, led Rev Dr Denzil Holness, while the service will be moderated by Rev Noel Erskine. On September 17, the Jamaican Embassy will be staging ‘Jamaica Fest’, an event which will showcase Jamaica’s rich culture and music. This will be held at the Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, beginning at 12 noon. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to facilitate these events, along with our partners and friends who have contributed to Jamaica’s development over the years,” said Marks. “I hope that all Jamaicans in the diaspora will continue the great tradition of sharing the Jamaican spirit. I encourage all Jamaicans, and friends, to embrace this year’s theme, ‘Jamaica 61 ... Proud and Strong,’ in celebration of Jamaica, land we love.” Jamaican diaspora to stage Independence celebrations across the United States Flag bearers enter the sanctuary in Takoma Park, Maryland, signalling the commencement of the thanksgiving service to mark Jamaica’s diamond jubilee and 184 years of Emancipation. Leading the procession is Rick Nugent, president of the Jamaican Association of Maryland. Bearing the Jamaica flag is Kerry Anderson-Dixon (right), and Ingrid Jallier (with the USA flag), both Embassy of Jamaica staff members. At right is Ambassador Audrey Marks. PHOTO BY DERRICK SCOTT THE ANNUAL Marcus Garvey march will take place this year on August 19 in Harlem, New York. The march will kick off at 6 p.m. at 124th street and 5th Avenue and will culminate at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. The march to celebrate Jamaica’s first national hero, the Marcus Garvey is organised yearly by the NewYork chapter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Organiser of the march, Michael Duncan, said that he hopes that the march will be bigger and better this year. Garvey was headquartered in Harlem during his time in the United States and made his mark in that community. Annual Marcus Garvey march on August 17 MY FELLOW Jamaicans in the diaspora and at home, I am pleased to convey warm greetings to you, as we celebrate the milestone anniversaries commemorating our 61st Independence and 185th Emancipation. THIS YEAR, our Independence theme, Proud and Strong, is a reflection of the indomitable spirit of resilience inherent in our nation’s history and people. Our journey towards nationhood has been one of great struggle but with transformative achievements, extending beyond the glorious hoisting of our national flag on August 6, 1962. It is with the foregoing in mind that we welcome this occasion to reflect on our legacy of greatness over the past 61 years of Independence and 185 years of Emancipation. We also do this with renewed vigour towards redefining our destiny by charting a course towards becoming a republic by 2025. As one of the most stable democracies in the Caribbean, Jamaica has remained a credible voice on the international scene, with noteworthy freedoms that have laid the foundation for the remarkable paradise that we love and call home. Our small island home has given birth to extraordinary talents whose legacy of excellence reverberates throughout the halls of greatness in various fields across the globe. From our cultural icons to intellectual giants, our influence has transcended geographic boundaries. UNWAVERING COMMITMENT I wholeheartedly commend the unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts of our invaluable Jamaican diaspora, whose continuous commitment to serving our fellow nationals is truly remarkable. Year after year, your unwavering support ensures that Jamaicans at home benefit from your extraordinary generosity. From providing 16 scholarships to extending assistance to burn victim Adriana Laing through funds raised at the Independence Gala and generous donations, to engaging in various medical missions, education donations, and community projects, your impactful contributions bring about life-changing transformations. Your unwavering commitment to making a significant difference is truly commendable and deeply appreciated. Let us honour this Independence by recommitting to uplifting those among us, for it is through the embrace of empathy and compassion that we build bridges that foster solidarity. It is only through this approach that we can truly embrace the spirit of unity and resilience that define us as Jamaicans, proud and strong. In so doing, I am certain that we can work diligently together to ensure that ‘Jamaica, may under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race’. Happy Jamaica 61st Independence and 185th Emancipation. Thank you and One love! AlisonWilson Consulate General of Jamaica NewYork Embrace the spirit of unity and resilience MESSAGE CG Alsion Wilson CONTRIBUTED
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Barbara Gayle/Gleaner Writer A MAJOR victory was scored by the Government when the Full Court ruled that the threeyear extension granted to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn in 2020 was lawful. DOUBLE-MURDER CONVICT Mervin Cameron had challenged the extension on the basis that it was illegal because the authorities failed to follow the proper procedure provided for an extension to be granted to the DPP under the Constitution and the Interpretation Act, thereby rendering the appointment null and void. The court said “the fact that the extension would have taken effect on either the day of the DPP’s birthday or the day after was of no moment”. The court found that the agreement to extend the tenure of the DPP had been concluded before she reached the age of 60 and there was no breach of the Constitution. The attorney general was the respondent and no order was made as to costs. Cameron stated in his affidavit that his attorney-at-law, Hugh Wildman, conducted investigations and it was revealed that Llewellyn’s appointment had violated the laws. The court refused to grant the declarations that Cameron was seeking that the extension was null and void and that the purported appointment granted to her after she had reached age 60 was in breach of section 96 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Jamaica. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS In delivering the unanimous decision, the judges said there were three issues to be decided: Did the DPP apply to the proper entity for an extension of her tenure in office, when was the extension granted and whether the extension was in keeping with section 96(1) (b) of the Constitution. Wildman had argued that the Gazette dated August 26, 2020 which indicated that her extension would take effect on her birthday, September 21, 2020, was a clear breach. The court said Wildman seemed to have focused on when the extension would have taken effect as opposed to the occasion on which the extension was agreed upon. “There was clearly an agreement for the DPP to be granted an extension prior to the 21st September 2020. The letter from the governor general to the prime minister dated 8th July 2020 speaks to a letter he received from the prime minister where he, the prime minister, had recommended the extension of the tenure of the DPP for three years. That letter was never produced to the court, but upon reading the letter of 8th July 2020, it was garnered that there was consultation with the leader of the Opposition. That letter led to the publication of the extension in the Extraordinary Gazette. “The Constitution speaks only to the agreement being concluded before the 60th birthday of the DPP. There was clearly an agreement in place before that day,” the court ruled, saying it found no merit in Wildman’s submissions. Wildman indicated that he would appeal the ruling. Attorney-at-law Kamau Ruddock, who represented the attorney general, had argued that the DPP’s appointment was in compliance with the specified section of the Constitution. She said it was clear that the governor general, on the recommendation of the prime minister after consulting with the opposition leader, permitted the DPP to continue in office. The Full Court, comprising justices Lorna Shelly-Williams, Simone WolfeReece and Andrea Pettigrew-Collins, heard the motion and dismissed it. Reacting to the ruling, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said, “I am not surprised at the ruling of the Full Court. The action by the attorney for Mervin Cameron was ill conceived and without merit. It is clear that the governor general approved the extension and it was properly gazetted.” Court rules DPP’s 3-year extension lawful Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn FILE PROJECT STAR, the social transformation and renewal programme, led by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has after one year made tangible inroads towards empowering individuals in targeted communities across the island. KEITH DUNCAN, co-chair and project sponsor of Project STAR and immediate past president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), during a recent discussion about the programme said partnering with community residents and stakeholders has resulted in significant engagement and impact within these communities. The people engaged include youths, adults and the elderly. To date, the programme has broadened access to social services provided by the government, provided job-readiness training, supported the use of sports to improve community relations, and have worked towards improving attendance in schools at the early childhood level. “We have been able to establish community transformation boards in east downtown Kingston in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC). There are groups working with the government agencies and other private sector groups that are looking at infrastructural development programmes. We are also looking at data sharing and integrative planning among ministries, departments and agencies that have been set to facilitate these processes,”Duncan said. SOCIAL COHESION Project STAR is now active in three communities: east downtown Kingston, Savanna-la-Mar, andmost recently, May Pen. “Through community capacity building, community-owned, community transformation plans the objective is closing the gaps to acceptable delivery of public services to the communities, a coordinated approach with technical partners, such as the Social Development Commission (SDC), HEART/NSTATrust, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, and The Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) of the JCF,”Duncan said. “The objective is to also build working relationships with the Ministry of Education and Youth and, Ministry of Health andWellness, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, among other agencies to ensure a sustainable community development model beyond the five-year life of STAR that can be mainstreamed in other communities,” Duncan added during his presentation. During the lifetime of the project, in partnership with the JCF, Project STAR expects to see sustained reductions in major crime of 40 per cent in targeted communities. “We anticipate to increasing the employment levels in communities by 10 per cent with over 6,500 persons employed through STAR, engaging through support 3 per cent of businesses in each community, satisfying national workforce requirements and capacities to expand, impacting both community-based and national socio-economic indicators that will lead to increased business confidence and opportunities for growth,”Duncan said. “Through social transformation, the objective is to increasing access to social programmes and human capital development opportunities for 30 per cent of the communities or 19,500 individuals project wide,” he added. Project STAR is aiming to raise $2 billion to deliver the project at a scale, with the desired outcomes, and is looking to have a mixed funding approach to achieve this. Project STAR makes inroads Initiative hits one-year mark; aims to raise $2b Members of Project STAR and social Influencers, walk along a section Maiden Lane in Central Kingston where they chatted with residents and got a first hand look at what is happening in the communities there. IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEEBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. OFFICE OF TITLES Volume: 1138 Folio: 459 Lot: 2,295 Place: Waterford Parish: St. Catherine Registered proprietor(s): Christine Ann-Marie Thorpe L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF JAMAICA IN THE CIVIL DIVISION CLAIM NO. SU2022CV03851 BETWEEN LLOYD GEORGE CLAIMANT AND PETER JUNOR (Executor of the Estate 1st DEFENDANT of Laurice Lucilee Junor) AND FRANCIS SEGRE 2nd DEFENDANT TO: FRANCIS SEGRE CWR Contracting, Inc., 3660 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32303, United States of America TAKE NOTICE that a Claim has been filed against you in this Honourable Court by LLOYD GEORGE, the Claimant herein, of 5370 NW 15TH Street, Apartment 2, Lauderhill, Florida 3313-5576, United States of America, and an order made for you to file an Acknowledgement of Service either in person or by your Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Supreme Court, King Street, Kingston, within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of the final publication of this Notice in the North American Edition of the Gleaner NewspaperANDaDefenceorAffidavitwithinfifty-six (56)daysof thedateof thefinal publication of this Notice in the North American Edition of the Gleaner Newspaper AND that in default of so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said Claim and pronounce judgement in your absence notwithstanding. DATED THE DAY OF 2023 _____________________________ MASTER/REGISTRAR NOTICE: It is requested that attention may be drawn to this Notice by anyone knowing the whereabouts of the person to whom it is addressed. Filed by TEMPLE LAW C/o LORENZO J. ECCLESTON, Attorney-at-Law, of 66-68 Barry Street, Kingston for and on behalf of the Claimant. Tel: (876) 535-8162; (876) 633-6531. Email: Lanzojm@outlook.com or Lanzojm@hotmail.co.uk NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF JAMAICA IN THE CIVIL DIVISION CLAIM NO. SU2022CV03851 BETWEEN LLOYD GEORGE CLAIMANT AND PETER JUNOR (Executor of the Estate 1st DEFENDANT of Laurice Lucilee Junor) AND FRANCIS SEGRE 2nd DEFENDANT TAKE NOTICE THAT the Fixed Date Claim Form filed herein on December 2, 2022 is adjourned for hearing on December 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. for One (1) hour. DATED THE 21st DAY OF JULY, 2023 _______________________________ LORENZO J. ECCLESTON CLAIMANT’S ATTORNEY-AT-LAW TO: The Registrar AND TO: The First Defendant Supreme Court PETER JUNOR King Street (Executor of the Estate Kingston of Laurice Lucilee Junor) AND TO: The Second Defendant FRANCIS SEGRE Filed by TEMPLE LAW C/o LORENZO J. ECCLESTON, Attorney-at-Law, of 66-68 Barry Street, Kingston for and on behalf of the Claimant. Tel: (876) 535-8162; (876) 633-6531. Email: Lanzojm@outlook.com or Lanzojm@hotmail.co.uk NOTICE OF ADJOURNED HEARING FROM SAVANNA-LA-MAR to Morant Bay, from Above Rocks to Port Maria, as the clock struck midnight onAugust 5, 1962, the strains of our national anthemwere heard for the first time while Union Jacks were loweredandthe Jamaican flagunveiled. Ceremonies took place in parish capitals across the island. In many cases, fireworks lit up the skies punctuating the August 6 birth of the Dominion of Jamaica. At the National Stadium, then PrimeMinister Sir Alexander Bustamante, deckedout in formal wear, presidedover what was described as a stirring event. “The entire eveningwas just tremendous,” said statesman Hector Wynter, enthusiastically recounting the shared excitement and delight that reverberated through the packed stadiumwhere over 20,000 people proudly joined in the celebration of the movement from colonialism to self-government. Kingston and all other parish capitals were resplendent with flags and buntings, and many civic and social events took place, including dancing in the streets, maypoles in town squares, jonkonnu, bonfires, float parades overflowing with beauty queens, as well as tree planting and religious ceremonies. SOUVENIRS Lola Ramocan, recalled how, as a teenager she, likemany of the people in her home parish of Clarendon, dressed in the colours of the flag and crowded into the town centre to celebrate. There were treats for the children and the elderly, and commemorative cups and plates were distributed. “What wonderful souvenirs these made,” Ramocan said with a smile, “having one was like holding onto a piece of history.” Theodore Sealy was appointed chairman of the Independence Committee which was charged with choosing the island’s national symbols, flag, and anthem. HectorWynter, who, like all sitting senators at the time, had theopportunity to serveon this committee, remembered that experience as a smooth process in which all were unitedby enthusiasm. As it turnedout,Wynter recalled,“the colour choice anddesign for the flagproceeded quite smoothly. The only hitch was that our initial design was apparently very similar to that chosenbyTanganyika. So wemade our gold saltire cross broader.” Wynter added,“itmay remind youof the Union Jack indesign as bothhave saltire crosses, but our vibrant colours – thegold set against black and green triangles – made it our own.” Our anthemwasmarried to thewords of the Reverend Hugh Sherlock to the music of Hon Robert Lightbourne, both of whichwere chosen out of many anonymous entries submitted in a public contest. The 300-year-old coat of arms was retained but a newmotto –‘Out of Many, One People’– a reminder that the nation is composed of people of many races who have long lived and worked in harmony, was added. THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT On August 7, 1962 - which had also been declared a holiday - the first session of Jamaica’s Parliament took place. Princess Margaret, wished Jamaica well on behalf of her sister, the Queen, and handed over the constitutional documents to Sir Alexander Bustamante. She said she was proud to be associated with this event andwelcomed the new nation to the Commonwealth Family. INDEPENDENCE ADDRESSES Bustamante, responding to Princess Margaret and addressing Jamaicans at home and abroad as the island’s first prime minister, cautioned on that same August 7 morning: “Independence means the opportunity for us to frame our own destiny and the need for us to rely on ourselves in so doing. It does not mean a licence to do as we would like. It means work and law andorder. Letus resolve tobuilda Jamaica whichwill last andofwhichweandgenerations tocomewill beproud, remembering that, especially at this time, the eyes of the world are upon us.” Bustamante’s messagewas alsocarried ina special supplement in the New York Times commemorating Jamaica’s independence. Norman Manley, then leader of the Opposition, also reminded the nation: “We stand here today surrounded by an unseen host of witnesses - who through all our history strove to keep alight the torch of freedom - and what of the future? We have come to Independence prepared and ready to shoulder our new responsibilities and united, I believe, in one single hope that wemaymake our small country a safe and happy home for all our people.” The themes of both of these addresses and those of many others given that day and on countless anniversaries can aptly be summed up in the words of our national anthem – described by Sherlock and Bennett (1998) as“a prayer of a small, newly independent nation for guidance and protection for themselves and for the island they love”. – Rebecca Tortello Birth of Independence The commemorative cup thatwas given inhonour of thenation’s first Independence celebration, in 1962, to 74-year-old Daphne Robinson of Kilmarnock, Westmoreland. FILE Jamaica’s Independence the Jamaican cadets at the Canadian Army’s national cadet camp at Banff National Park flew their country’s flag for the day. Lowering the flag at retreat are from left, Cadets Clarence Brodie and Maurice Goldsmith are among 24 from Jamaica at the camp on exchange while the same number of Canadian boys are visiting Jamaica. GLEANER ARCHIVES
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 5
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 7 Independence Day being celebrated at Port Antonio Square on August 8, 1964. GLEANER ARCHIVES Jubilant people doing the Ska at the Jamaican Independence Anniversary Ball at the Runaway Bay Hotel in August 1964. GLEANER ARCHIVES This 1964 shows three youngsters who are pleased that their bus has been held up by the crowds and that they can view the spectacular independence float parade as it travel on along the Spanish Town Road. GLEANER ARCHIVES Guests in the main stand at the National Stadium rise at midnight in salute to the JamaicaNational Flag as it is raised to the top of the flagstaff during the ceremonies making Jamaica’s Independence. At right centre Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon stand in the Royal Box, the Princess with eyes raised to the flag. GLEANER ARCHIVES
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: J AMAICAN COMMUNITY leaders in the diaspora are calling for the governments of United States and Jamaican to diplomatically fix any issue that may have arisen between both countries over the granting of diplomatic immunity to the same-sex partner of a new diplomat being assigned to the island. Irwine Clare, head of the Queensbased Caribbean Immigration Services and Team Jamaica Bickle, said that, given the longstanding relationships between the two countries, any disagreement should be fixed by both parties sitting around a table and discussing the issue. “They should be able to resolve this issue, regardless of moral or personal positions and it should not be a tit-fortat situation,” said Clare. He described the reports of the disagreement between both countries as unfortunate. “We live in a changing world and norms that are accepted in one country may not be acceptable in another, but the relationship built up over many years should not be harmed. It is readily fixable and we have the necessary skilled people to do so,” said Clare. Social media has been abuzz over the past week after news broke that Jamaica had decided not to grant diplomatic immunity to the same-sex partner of a new diplomat being posted by the US to Jamaica. The reports further stated that, given Jamaica’s stance, the US State Department had advised that diplomatic visas for some high-ranking Jamaican diplomats currently serving in the US would not be renewed at the end of the current five-year term. ACCREDITED FOR FIVE YEARS However, the State Department, in a post on social media, said that, as of August 2021, diplomats from all worldwide bilateral missions to the US are accredited for a maximumof five years. “At the conclusion of the five-year period, in the absence of a waiver approved by the [State] Department the diplomats are expected to end their tour with the bilateral mission and depart the United States. Ambassadors, charges d’affaires and deputy chief of mission are exempt from the five-year accreditation policy. The United States and Jamaica continue to enjoy close ties based on shared values, culture, tourism and a vibrant diaspora community in the United States,” the State Department said in its social media post. Dr Allan Cunningham, former Diaspora Council member for the USA Southern region and head of the People Profile Organization, told The Gleaner that each country has its own rules and other countries should abide by those rules. He said the current problem is easily fixed by both parties coming together to discuss the issue and finding an acceptable solution. “Meet at the table. Discuss how best to resolve the issue because, at the end of the day, it is in the best interest of both countries and will allow for the continued relationship between both countries forged over the many years,” he said. CHANGING WORLD Cunningham said the positions of both countries should be respected, although “we now live in a changing world”. He said: “We don’t want to hurt the relationship between both countries, but the rules of each country should be respected.” Patrick Beckford, former Diaspora Board member, told The Gleaner that the situation needs to be fixed and the best way to do so is to recognise that the US is bound by its laws. “The US Supreme Court has made same sex the law of the land, so the United States has to abide by this and cannot discriminate on how it places people in positions,” said Beckford. On the other hand, he noted that Jamaica also has its own laws that it must observe and the best way to resolve the situation is for both countries to sit around the table and discuss it and come up with a solution. “This should not be something that is discussed in the public sphere,”he said. Meanwhile, top Jamaican officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade have refused to comment on the situation. Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has also taken a pass on commenting on the issue. Ja, US must resolve same-sex dilemma diplomatically, say diaspora leaders Irwine Clare Dr Allan Cunningham CONTRIBUTED Patrick Beckford “We live in a changing world and norms that are accepted in one country may not be acceptable in another, but the relationship built up over many years should not be harmed. It is readily fixable and we have the necessary skilled people to do so,” said Clare. Christopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer BISHOP O’GARTH MCKOY, the national superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica, is commending Jamaica’s leadership for its recent refusal to grant diplomatic privileges to the partner of a gay American diplomat, even as he urges Jamaicans to ensure their children are taught about God. MCKOYWAS delivering the keynote sermon at the annual Independence Church Service for St James, held at the Kings Chapel United Pentecostal Church in Montego Bay on Sunday. “Regarding the recent stance of the Government, based on the clippings in the media, that we will not embrace that LGBTQ+ scenario, I know there are going to be consequences for it. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any nation,”said McKoy, referencing Proverbs 14:34. “Buy the truth and sell it not … the once great United States of America (US) was established on the faith of their founding fathers, ‘In God we trust’. I wonder where their trust is now?” McKoy added. “Man without God is sinful, lost, imprisoned, and enslaved. If freedom, to you, means that you can do anything you want, you are not free.” Last month, reports emerged that Jamaica and the US, which have always enjoyed a positive diplomatic relationship, were involved in a row over Jamaica’s refusal to grant diplomatic immunity to the same-sex partner of a new diplomat being posted by the US to Jamaica, where same-sex marriage is not legally recognised. The situation was exacerbated by subsequent reports that the US denied applications to extend the stay of three Jamaican diplomats at Jamaica’s embassy and consulates in that country. TENSIONS However, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith dismissed the reports of tensions between the two countries. McKoy also warned during Sunday’s service that parents must take responsibility for their children having a knowledge of spiritual matters and a close connection to God. “As our children and grandchildren are going on to university, we have a responsibility to ensure that we raise them up the right way. Inasmuch as education is important, the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, and a generation of educated people without God Almighty is a generation that is lost,”McKoy said sternly. Meanwhile, in his remarks at the service, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (West), Homer Davis, said that Jamaica’s 61st anniversary as an independent nation is a cause for celebration and scrutiny. “We are at a very critical juncture of life in this country. Sometimes when we speak, you would think that we have been an independent nation for over 500 years, but we are only 61 years old and we have achieved a lot,”said Davis. “These are occasions when our leaders should stand out and let the people who are looking upon us [know and understand] that we are leading in their best interest.” McKoy: Where is America’s trust now? Bishop O’Garth McKoy PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | OPINION & COMMENTARY 9 OPINION #GLNROPED The Gleaner welcomes your views on any issue. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less. They must bear the writer’s name, address and telephone contact. If using a pen name, you must state your full name. Your name and address will be withheld on request. EMAIL US: letters@gleanerjm.com or WRITE US: Editor, The Gleaner Company (Media) Ltd, 7 North Street, PO Box 40, Kingston, or fax: (876)922-6223 [ LETTERS ] [ EDITORIAL ] RAW SEWAGE flowing in the streets of downtown Kingston is just one of the consequences of infrastructure failure when facilities continue to be operated beyond their design life. Experts say water, energy and transportation utilities are at risk of failure after 75 years and in any event they lack environmental compliance after several decades. These sewer mains downtown, laid more than 75 years ago, are reportedly made from asbestos. Waste water infrastructure is largely about the piping or sewer lines which connect homes and businesses to treatment facilities, but that is not all; it extends to include treatment plants, and lift, and pumping stations. Ageing infrastructure requires continuous follow-up and maintenance. As we have come to understand Jamaica is very poor at follow-up and maintenance of most things. There are many examples of how ageing infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, have created problems of access and connectivity resulting in disruption to the country’s economic prospects and its achievement of national objectives. It does nothing for the health of a community to wake up to the stench of effluence and this has been the condition for many months affecting people who live, work and do business in downtown Kingston. On cue, we see images of government ministers, Desmond McKenzie and Matthew Samuda, “examining” sewage seepage in downtown Kingston recently. Were it not a serious matter, this photo opportunity could give way to sustained humour by onlookers. However, Mr. Samuda, who is responsible for water, brought good news to the member of Parliament, Mr. McKenzie that $170 million were to be spent in immediate repairs and that the prime minister had authorised that “all available resources be used to resolve the situation”. This stench has been in the air for many months. POOR INFRASTRUCTURE As we have often repeated in this space, poor infrastructure is one of the biggest hurdles to development in a country like Jamaica.The riskof deteriorating infrastructureought not tobe left too late. Among the big questions an administration faces is whether to refurbish or to replace infrastructure. Indeed, the NationalWater Commission (NWC) which operates more than 100wastewater treatmentplants aroundthe islandhas laidout a plan to improve sewage servicewhich includesbuilding, replacing and decommissioning plants. Work has been progressing, albeit slowlyonsomeof theareas earmarked for improvement. Bearing in mind that with climate change and extreme weather events infrastructure will be called on to withstand greater challenges. This demands that NWC devise a cost-effective solution to mitigate potential risks. This is a costly undertaking and the NWC, as we are painfully aware, is strapped for cash and has been in that position for many years. For instance, the much-touted Soapberry treatment plant earmarked for St. Catherine, and which would eliminate a number of small treatment plants in the Corporate Area, has taken many years to be implemented. The process of implementing these projects can be long and laborious. From identifying the resources to settling land acquisition where necessary, the procurement process and jumping through bureaucratic hoops to identifying suitable partners, can been painstakingly drawn-out over many years. When it comes to implementing infrastructure projects, there appears to be an urgent need for protocols that will enable project implementation within say 12 months. We see the need for speeding up the project implementation process, if such projects are to achieve the objective of solving specific problems. Photo Op downtown Kingston THE EDITOR, Madam: T HE CURRENT Government seems to have grown tired of shouldering the responsibility for the affairs of the nation and is hell-bent on losing the next general election. I have come to the above conclusion based on a number of politically suicidal decisions the Government has taken since the beginning of 2023. The most baffling of these decisions has to be the massive salary increases granted to the political class and the approach adopted in the constitutional amendment to bring the retirement age of the director of public prosecutions and the auditor general in line with the rest of the civil service. The decision to grant parliamentarians and councillors increases ranging from 200-300 per cent, after coercing government employees into accepting much lower increases, with threats of delayed payments of retroactive salaries, can only be understood if the Government is tired of governing or holds the electorate in such contempt, it believes the issue will be erased from memory by the next election. It is interesting to note the public’s objection was not to the political class awarding themselves an increase, but to the quantum of the increase. The decision to bring the retirement age of the director of public prosecutions and the auditor general in line with the rest of the civil service need not have descended into controversy. It is a logical move, and a non-suicidal government would have sought consensus with the parliamentary Opposition to ensure the constitutional amendment received unanimous approval. Now we are faced with the real possibility of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions being brought into disrepute. The Government appears determined to lose the next election, and this determination is aided by its parliamentary majority with which it can bulldoze legislation through. The only thing more intoxicating to a politician than a crowd of tribal supporters is a huge parliamentary majority that can breed arrogance, and the Government appears to have fallen into the trap. The People’s National Party must be counting their lucky stars the Government is suicidal, as they can always count on the Government to orchestrate some distraction to divert attention from their leader’s intemperate utterances and the divisive candidate selection exercises. The Government is writing the template on how to be booted from office. They must be suicidal, tired, or both. WAYNE PLUMMER Greater Portmore Ruling party seems determined to lose next election THE EDITOR, Madam: THE WORLD is changing rapidly and Jamaica seems content to dance to the beat of drums from other nations. This is not new, but now is not the time to “follow fashion”, because a lot of what is currently fashionable flies in the face of God. We do not need to add the unnatural spectre of the LGBTQI+ agenda to our existing societal sins. America, Europe and large, Englishspeaking countries may be powerful and wield a lot of influence, but are not always right. Search the internet and look at the LGBTQI+ Pandora’s box that America and Canada opened. Look at the damage it is doing to their societies. We don’t need that in Jamaica. We should not allow ourselves to be charmed by what is wrong, no matter whose mouth it comes from. If people want to sin in private, we can’t stop them, but we should be able to stop them from publicly promoting their sin as righteous and bullying society to accept it as normal. African leaders firmly and diplomatically rejected outsider promotion of homosexuality in their lands. They didn’t cast stones at the outsiders (we all sin, don’t we?), but didn’t remain silent either. I hope Jamaica does the same. DAVID DIXON Ja doesn’t need to follow LGBTQ agenda MAN SUES Taco Bell for allegedly skimping on fillings NEWYORK (ANI): A MAN unhappy with the amount of beans and beef he received in his Taco Bell order, sued the fast food chain for false advertising, CNN reported. In September, New York resident Frank Siragusa bought a Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza which contained half of the amount of beans and beef advertised online and in-store. He alleged that the fast-food restaurant does not serve as much meat on products as its ads suggest.
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 10 THE GOVERNOR of the State of Maryland, Wes Moore, has proclaimed Jamaica’s Independence Day, August 6, 2023, as Jamaican Independence Day in the State of Maryland and has commended its observance to all citizens. The Proclamation signed by Governor Moore was presented to Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, by the governor’s mother, Joyce Moore, a Jamaican, at a thanksgiving service to mark Jamaica’s 61st anniversary of independence from Britain, and 185 years of full emancipation from slavery, at the Sligo SeventhDay Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. The proclamation congratulated the people of Jamaica on the country’s 61st anniversary of their country’s independence, and pointed out that “The state has drawn strength from the diversity of our people, and today, we honour those who trace their roots to Jamaica for the many ways in which they have contributed to the richness and triumph of the State of Maryland.” Senior Pastor of the Webster Memorial United Church, Rev Astor Carlyle, in delivering the sermon, called on Jamaicans in the diaspora raise their voices against injustice, discrimination, “anancyism” and corruption; and like Sam Sharpe, Nanny, Paul Bogle, Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley, stand up for your rights.” He charged the congregation to be like Zelophedad’s daughters: to show up, stand up, and speak up in the defence of justice; to showmoral courage. “A willingness to bear loss if needed, in order to see that justice prevails; a willingness to sacrifice comfort and convenience on the altar of principle, to ensure that truth and right win out, and a willingness to give up my privileges today so that my children and grandchildren may have a better life tomorrow.” TANGIBLE WAYS The Webster Memorial senior pastor told his congregation that “rather than sit on the verandah of diagnostic discourse, or in the grandstands of prescriptive complaint”, they must find “tangible and transformative ways through community organisations and programmes to impact the minds and lives of unattached youths, many who find solace in the shaky shelter provided by gangs”. They should also find tangible and transformative ways to show up for the scores of persons, who have left Jamaica as infants, and learned antisocial behaviour in other nations, but are deported as adults with no connections or opportunities to continue life meaningfully. “And while we applaud you for the remittances that go a long way in boosting our economy. What will we do in our own sphere of influence to stem the influx of guns into our small and vulnerable island home, which kill thousands of youths, children and productive citizens?” Rev Carlyle told the congregation that “each of us, and all of us together; old, young, male, female, have a stake in the pride and strength of Jamaica land we love”. The service was moderated by Rev Bertram Melbourne, dean of Howard University School of Divinity. Musical selections were rendered by the choir, Performing Artistes Under The Lord, with soprano Alison Buchanan. The offering collected will be donated to CUMI, the Community for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill, in Montego Bay. August 6 proclaimed as Jamaican Independence Day in Maryland Senior Pastor of the Webster Memorial United Church Rev. Astor Carlyle delivers the sermon, at the thanks-giving service to mark Jamaica’s 61st anniversary of independence at the Sligo Seventh Day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. PHOTO BY DERRICK SCOTT Ainsworth Morris/Gleaner Reporter WHEN AARON Waugh, 11-year-old graduate of Jessie Ripoll Primary School, was told he was the top-performing boy for the 2023 sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, he was overjoyed. HE AND top girl Shannon-Elise Barrett, of Kensington Primary School in St Catherine, were yesterday announced among the list of 32 PEP students to receive government scholarships this year. Both students were placed at Campion College and have been awarded the Guardian Group Foundation Scholarship. Aaron said he studied very hard and went to a lot of extra PEP lessons during each day of the week, and now he has seen the silver lining and the fruit of his labour. “It was a very hard process,”he told The Gleaner, noting that he was relieved when he was told some weeks ago that he had been placed at Campion College. “I felt accomplished, and I felt like it was really worth it,” Aaron said. LOOKING FORWARD He is now looking forward to the different activities he has heard are available at Campion College, the new faces he will meet, and the grand opportunities the school has been well-known in St Andrew for providing its students. He is also excited to be going to the same secondary-level school his older brother, third-former Abraham, now attends. “He has set this mark for me to follow. I feel like I am following it very well, and I’m living up to the expectations of the Waugh family,” Aaron said. His mother, Annice Waugh, beamed with even more joy than her son on Sunday while speaking with The Gleaner. She said it was the strong faith her son has in God that made him confident enough to know that he could be victorious in the end and receive the desires of his heart. “Faith and work because the Bible talks about faith without work is dead, so we put in a lot of effort and we pray and we have faith,” she said. She then explained why she was overjoyed about her son being the top performing boy in PEP for this year. “We were aiming for the government scholarship, but this tops it all. He exceeded our expectations,” said his mother, a scientist and assistant lecturer who is pursuing a PhD in physiology at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. Mrs Waugh told The Gleaner that Aaron’s brother previously received a top award in Kingston, and Aaron was challenged to do better. “They used to have a friendly rivalry, and we used to say ‘If you are going to outshine your brother, you will have to do better than that’.” Now, Aaron has done just that. His mother noted that her husband, Garland Waugh, is also proud of his son. Aaron, whose favourite football club is Manchester City, said he hopes to become both a footballer and an entrepreneur. “I really enjoy the sport, football. I just have a connection to it … . An entrepreneur because I really like business. I like to be a leader in some way,” he said. Top boy Aaron Waugh ready for grand opportunities at Campion Aaron Waugh (second left) with his mother Annice, father Garland (second right) and brother Abraham at his graduation. CONTRIBUTED
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 11 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer HIGHLY ACCLAIMED Jamaican track coach, Glen Mills, is to be honoured in South Florida by the People Profile Organization – he will be presented with the organisation’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Mills will join singer/actress Melba Moore, Miami Heat basketball star Dwayne wade, Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown, among others who are past recipients. The announcement was made by head of People Profile, Dr. Allan Cunningham . At the recent launch of the People Profile Awards, Jamaica-born businessman, Ricky Wade was the guest speaker. He spoke about the need to develop partnership and relationships to achieve success. “During my tenure as a business owner, having these partnerships has been beneficial tomy business inmany ways. Being connected and collaborating with organizations in my community has been extremely beneficial to support the youth and programs that make our communities thrive,” saidWade Her said that it is never too early to start cultivating relationships that can build into partnerships and collaborations. Relationships can significantly impact how people engage with you and support you and your business, he said. Apar t from the Life Time Achievement Award, other awards will be given for community service, outstanding press personality, outstanding business leader, among others. Mills is currently head coach of the Racers Track Club which includes world and Olympic record holder Usain Bolt and the 100-metre World Champion Yohan Blake. Other athletes that he has coached in the past include Kim Collins, and Ray Stewart. He was the head coach of the Jamaican Olympic athletics team between 1987 and 2009. A number of schools in Jamaica benefit from proceeds raised from the award ceremony. Glen Mills to be honoured in South Florida Glen Mills FILE Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer THE GARVEY School, situated on Baychester Avenue in the Bronx, United States, faces an uncertain future as the landlords for the building where the school is currently located want to reclaim the space. FOUNDED BY Jamaican educator June O’Connor and named after Jamaica’s first national hero, Marcus Garvey, the school currently has an enrolment of 120 students and 20 teachers. A 501 c 3 institution, the school was founded in 2009 and has been at its present location since 2012. The non-public school serves two-year-olds, Pre-K up to Grade 8. The building management, River Bay Management, recently took the school to housing court in the Bronx seeking to get back the building. The parties are to return to court on August 14 and the school’s management has to submit a brief to the court by August 4. O’Connor told The Gleaner that the building management has given no reason for wanting the school out of its current space. “I can only assume that with the current real estate market the management believes that it will get more money for the space,” she said. The Garvey School currently pays a rent of just over US$5,000 per month to rent the space. Since opening its doors in 2009, the Garvey School has served over 7000 students and placed approximately 90 per cent of its graduates comfortably in competitive high schools and independent schools. Riverbay Corporation recently terminated the lease which places the school’s four-year 3K early childhood city contract at risk because it is site specific. “Early childhood service is a very high need for Caribbean, African, African-American and Hispanic families. The loss of this programme will create significant hardship for our families, as well as loss of income for our staff who are all head of household and main bread-winners,” said O’Connor. The school is seeking a one-year extension on its current lease, which will give it time to find suitable accommodation to re-locate the school. She said an extended lease will allow adequate time to relocate the programme in proximity to the current location which will greatly increase the chance of retaining the four-year grant. INTERVENE The community has rallied to the side of the school and Jamaica’s consul general in NewYork, AlsionWilson, has written to the Bronx Borough president, asking that she intervene in the dispute to save the school. The school is built on the principle that every child should experience a stimulating, educational environment to foster emotional, social, and academic growth while engaging in active discovery and inquiry-based learning where every question is a valid entry point to a larger discourse. “We are proud that our track record shows students are admitted to the following schools: Fieldstone, Thornton-Donovan, Hackley, Harvey and Masters. Among our public schools are Brooklyn Technical High School and Bronx Science,” she said Wilson told The Gleaner that the efforts to save the school, whether at its existing location, or at a new location are ongoing. “The school provides a necessary service and should be allowed to continue functioning,”she said. Garvey school in the Bronx faces uncertain future My fellow Jamaicans and friends, IT IS my distinct pleasure to wish you a Happy Independence on behalf of the staff at the Consulate General of Jamaica at Toronto. This, our 61st anniversary of Independence, is being commemorated under the theme ‘Jamaica 61: Proud and Strong’. It follows the extensive celebrations of our diamond jubilee held last year in Canada, Jamaica, and across the globe. The theme further reflects the boldness of our people at home and in the diaspora globally. It also conjures up feelings of national pride, particularly when our fellow Jamaicans climb the success ladder in a multiplicity of areas, in their adopted home country. Here in the province of Ontario, our Jamaican Canadians are highly regarded in their chosen fields. They have been recognised for the pivotal contributions to the growth and development of the Canadian society. For this, we are immensely proud! Of equal importance is the consistent support by scores of individuals, community-based organisations, alumni associations, churches and businesses in the Greater Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara areas, to our education and healthcare sectors. You have shown how impactful your formative years in Jamaica have had on your respective journeys. I therefore place on recordmy sincere appreciation to you, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, for your fervent commitment to building a better Jamaica. It is for this reason that the Government has taken concrete steps to create several avenues for your engagement and involvement in the affairs of our country. I encourage you to support these efforts and to strengthen the familial linkages which exist. Let us carry the torch forward from our founding fathers and take charge of our destiny. Happy Independence! One Love! LINCOLN G. DOWNER Consul General Of Jamaica Canada ‘Jamaica 61: Proud and Strong’ Lincoln Downer CONTRIBUTED
jamaica-gleaner.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=