Talented Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy delights fans at the Sangster International Airport on Thursday, February 15, 2024 with a pop up performance of his hit single, “Continent”.
Rising musical star Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy, received a jubilant welcome home on his arrival at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) on Thursday (February 15), facilitated by MBJ Airports Limited for the Flanker-born son of St James who is now blazing a musical trail internationally.
Born sightless yet undaunted, Hector describes himself as being “differently abled” and is undeterred by the harsh economic conditions that attended his youthful years, first in the Montego Bay Craft Market and then at the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston.
Under his moniker Nigy Boy, Hector has several hits to his credit, all written by him and with his latest recording ‘Continent‘ receiving over five million views on YouTube alone.
Even as he pursues his now bright music career, he disclosed that his greater ambitions are in the legal sphere. “My long-term intent is to go into law and I’m on track, in pursuing a degree in history and political science at the Stonybrook University in New York.”
Speaking more on his current fame, Hector added, “Music kind of come in and right now I am forced to multi-task as best as I can. Education is a powerful thing; it’s the one thing that can never be taken away from you, so I have to fully endorse it and it has to come with me, I’m not leaving it behind,” he said in an airport interview.
Fans gather at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday, February 15 awaiting the arrival of Nigy Boy.
With a message to young Jamaicans searching for their path in life, he said, “As a Flanker man, I’m from a community where youngsters don’t know which direction to take because of how things are. There’s a stigma surrounding the inner-city communities and everybody is locked into a boxed cage so it’s like they see no way up but there’s always a way, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not find that answer that you’re looking for, you may not find that road that you want to walk now growing up, but the path is laid out before you. Always trust the Lord Almighty to lead and you follow.”
Asked if he was committed to keeping his music clean, he made a public promise that while “music is what I’m all about, personally speaking, it’s my mission to toe that line and make music that can resonate with people of all ages, race, ethnicities.” He sees music as a universal language and is therefore not restricted to any one genre.
Heading the list of officials welcoming Hector back home, deputy mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon said he was happy with his progress, adding, “This is how youngsters should operate; even of you are making a move to other places you have to represent Jamaica at the highest level.”
Congratulating him on what he has been doing, Vernon also underscored the importance of music as a vehicle of social change, stating that “when it is used properly you can influence others and you can also change lives.”
Sharon Hislop-Holt, manager of commercial business development and marketing at MBJ Limited, said the airport was overjoyed to welcome and host Hector on his arrival.
Upcoming musical superstar, Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy (3rd left), is flanked by (from left), Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon; Manager, Commercial Business Development and Marketing, MBJ, Mrs. Sharon Hislop-Holt and Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board, Mrs. Odette Soberman-Dyer upon his arrival at the Sangster International Airport on Thursday, February 15.
She lauded the success of his musical career and urged him to go on to achieving higher levels of accomplishment.
Regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Odette Soberman-Dyer hailed Hector’s life story as “one of inspiration” and observed, “He is also a testimony to us that a disability does not hinder you from achieving your dreams; it’s just an additional reason to push even harder.”
Joe Bogdanovich, owner and CEO of DownSound Entertainment, shared with the audience that Nigy Boy has been signed to perform on Reggae Sumfest 2024.
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 19, February 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Fitz Bailey Garfield Robinson
Members of our Jamaican Diaspora have been the lifeline for communities and schools in their homeland. Jamaicans overseas have organised significant fund-raising events and medical missions, while overseas alumnae and alumni organisations have assisted their alma maters. Their contribution over the years is immeasurable.
Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica, led by Horace “Shad” Daley and assisted by Dr Clover Baker, awards high school and tertiary scholarships. Jamaicans have heeded the call of the American Friends of Jamaica, joining with US Ambassador N Nick Perry and former US ambassadors to Jamaica to pour millions into scores of worthy causes.
N Nick Perry
However, there seems to be negative forces in our diaspora behind the flow of guns and ammunition to the island. Last Friday 64 guns and a considerable number of live rounds and magazines were seized at Kingston Wharves Limited. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitz Bailey, in commenting on the incident and arrest of two individuals, said, “…I want to make an appeal to the Jamaican citizens who actually are creating the significant problem that we have in Jamaica. They are the ones who are sending the firearms and I am appealing to the diaspora to sort of engage the citizens and encourage them to desist from this type of destructive activity.”
So here we are, the majority of us decent Jamaicans, being preyed upon by gangs fuelled by their conspirators in the diaspora. Some years ago at a Press Association of Jamaica meeting with US journalists the suggestion was made that if a local journalist is in fear of uncovering criminal schemes, they could appeal to their overseas counterparts to assist in such investigations. Clearly DCP Bailey has some level of intelligence on the source of the shipments, so a tip to an overseas media house could help us to name and shame these traitorous individuals.
Jamaican Diaspora groups may not have been aware of this blight on their reputation. They are in every sector of the US, including police departments. With their support, we can help to staunch the flow of these murderous weapons.
Expert tips for debaters
My post on social media that I was proud of our debaters as it was a good look for our democracy after last Thursday evening’s Local Government Debate was met with witty criticism. Well, the former debating coach for The University of the West Indies, whose team won multiple international competitions, took me to task for saying that they were “well prepared”, but he agreed that it was great for our democracy.
He happens to be my evergreen uncle, Carlton Lowrie of Mannings School, Munro College, and Irving Hall fame.
“There was too much mudslinging,” he averred. “There was no need to keep putting down the other side and getting personal. The focus should have been on the issues. Jamaicans have passed that stage of being comforted by promises. Our politicians have a duty to educate our citizens who now refuse to be fooled.”
Lowrie said that the only person who stayed with the issues was Richard Creary, though his presentation could have been stronger. He said it was regrettable that neither party’s manifesto was ready and no date was offered for publication a mere 11 days before the elections.
He advised that the best way to handle a verbal attack is to “manage your anger and take the higher ground, finding an issue which responds to the attack and extrapolating on it”.
“When you stay calm and measured in your response, it says a lot about your character,” he said and referred to Michelle Obama’s famous saying, “When they go low, we go high.”
Poor deaf signing at the debate
The deaf community has protested the poor interpreting at the February 15 debate by an untrained signer. In a statement, they wrote, “The Jamaican deaf community, which also included hearing individuals who use Jamaican sign language, were devastated when they encountered the ‘interpreter’ who signed at [the debate], who was not well equipped to perform in the role of an interpreter.”
They alleged that this individual was hired instead of the experienced Antoinette Aiken, “in favour of a low-priced alternative.” This would surprise me as Aiken’s fees are not exorbitant.
This brings back memories of the state visit by President Barack Obama to President Nelson Mandela in South Africa, the so-called interpreter’s incompetence was an embarrassment to the organisers.
Deaf students upskilled in agriculture
Twenty deaf students at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) campus in Knockpatrick, Manchester, recently completed a training programme in Climate Smart Agriculture Greenhouse Production.
The 10-week course was organised by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in collaboration with the Jamaica Red Cross. The courses included introduction to greenhouse production, crop management and nutrition, integrated pest management, safe use of pesticides, and marketing and farm business management.
RADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Winston Simpson congratulated the students: “We are proud to partner with you; I am pleased to see men dominating the numbers, and it’s a big plus for us. Over the 10 weeks we witnessed the convergence of dedication, resilience, and innovation in a unique blend that defined this historic training initiative.”
CCCD Executive Director Leon Samms said the greenhouse currently in operation yields sweet peppers, and cabbage, lettuce, pak choi, and pumpkin are being produced on the property. While the recent COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s drought were setbacks, the centre now operates at higher level of efficiency, having installed an additional 1,000-gallon tank to enhance water supply and a solar-powered irrigation system.
The CCCD property comprises 50 acres of arable land which is used for cattle, pig, and poultry rearing and to grow crops for export.
My deaf colleagues would like me to remind reporters that they do not want to be described as ‘hearing impaired’; our productive deaf community is far from being impaired.
Bob Marley: One Love opened in theatres on February 14.
Get ready for Marley fans
The movie Bob Marley: One Love has taken the world by storm, breaking the US box office record for a midweek release, earning US$14 million last Wednesday alone and some $50 million by Saturday. You cannot scroll YouTube for more than a few seconds and not see an interview with producer Ziggy Marley and the leads Latasha Lynch and Kingsley Ben-Adir or a music video of the legend himself, Bob Marley.
This is going to bring a new wave of Marley fans to tour his birthplace and resting place at Nine Miles, his home at Hope Road, Tuff Gong studios, and Trench Town. The good people at Jamaica Tourist Board and Tourism Enhancement Fund should be collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and the Bob Marley Foundation to upgrade facilities near or at these locations for our food and craft stalls. Marley-themed concerts at our parks, theatres, and auditoriums would attract great attendance.
Let us use Marley’s spirit of excellence, perseverance, and inclusivity to inspire us to enrich our tourism offerings, delivering opportunity to the humblest workers in the industry.
To paraphrase Marley, “So Jah seh, not one of my people should sit on the sidewalk and beg your bread.”
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 12, February 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Dennis Morrison.
The judiciary and members of the Jamaican Bar Association have lost one of their greatest luminaries, retired Justice C Dennis Morrison.
The Jamaica Observer noted that on hearing of his passing former Prime Minister P J Patterson said, “Our jurisprudence has lost a giant in its evolution.” Indeed, Rhodes scholar Morrison was at the start of this evolution. Committed to the advancement of human rights, he had joined Dennis Daly’s Freedom Chambers after completing his studies at Oxford University and worked as a final year law student with Daly at the Legal Aid Clinic. A member of the first class of graduates of Norman Manley Law School, Morrison was called to the Bar in 1975.
A statement from the General Legal Council recounted his brilliant career as lecturer at the Norman Manley and Hugh Wooding law schools, president of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, and “multiple appellate courts”. The past student of Wolmer’s Boys’ School and Jamaica College had also served on the bench in several other Caribbean jurisdictions.
Morrison was one of four legal luminaries honoured by the Jamaican Bar Association in 2021. Referring to his service as president of the Court of Appeal from 2016 to 2020, the citation noted, “In those few years, he created an outstanding body of work, both in his many written judgments and in his leadership of the court. Some of those judgments are now the leading authorities on a wide range of issues.”
My deepest sympathy to his dear wife Janet, his children, family, and close friends.
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 12, February 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Jamaica was a sea of green and orange when 496 Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), People’s National Party (PNP), and other candidates were nominated last week for 228 local government electoral divisions islandwide, and three others for the Portmore mayoral position.
Let us do the maths. Since Jamaica has an area of 2,344 square miles, this means that each councillor working with his parish team has oversight of such matters as road repairs, water supply, garbage collection, and building permits for an area averaging only 18.53 square miles.
Yet most Jamaicans are not able to identify their parish councillors. I am hoping that the candidates will use social media to introduce themselves in a short video and tell us of their plans ahead of Februray 26. It is the least they can do instead of playing hide-and-seek with the citizens they are sworn to serve.
The discord over the incorporation of the duties of the Office of the Political Ombudsman (OPO) into those of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) is a storm in a teacup. We agree that our former political ombudsmen were people of high integrity: Bishop Herro Blair and attorney-at-law Donna Parchment Brown were both exemplary in their oversight of political activities. However, the criticism that the duties of the OPO would be politicised by subsuming them under the ECJ is without foundation.
I have had the honour of serving as communications consultant to the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC), forerunner of the ECJ, during their deliberations on amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA). With two representatives from each political party and three nominated members, politically biased proposals were off the table. Indeed, given that the ECJ has equal representation of both political parties and the insight of respected legal minds, that would not have been tolerated.
The amended ROPA also mandates that nominated members of the ECJ form the constituted authority on election day, receiving complaints of election misdemeanours, conducting hearings, and ruling on the evidence.
In his statement to the Houses of Parliament on the Bill, an Act to amend the Political Ombudsman (Interim) Act, and provide for connected matters, Justice Delroy Chuck noted, “The ECJ has long established internal protocols for treating with matters that will be adopted and applied to the matters they will assume. We are not seeking to reinvent the wheel but to adopt what has been shown to work.”
CAFFE GEARS UP
The civic organization Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) has activated its election day monitoring system. Founded in 1977, CAFEE has been chaired by such eminent Jamaicans as Dr Alfred Sangster, Archbishop Emeritus Egerton Clarke, and Dr Lloyd Barnett, who last year retired from the post. He is succeeded by Grace Baston, retired Principal of Campion College, Anton Thompson serving as deputy chairman.
CAFFE is marshalling 400 volunteers for the upcoming elections, mostly sixth formers from high schools islandwide.
“We have been working hard to establish Democracy Clubs in high schools and believe that they will provide us with a high-quality cohort of volunteers,” says Baston. “This thrust is CAFFE’s attempt to address the apathy to the electoral process that seems to characterise so many of our young people…The future of Jamaica’s enviable democracy rests on our ability to get our youngest citizens to care enough about elections to get involved.”
This is a timely move by CAFFE as the ECJ has been calling for greater elector participation. CAFFE’s activities are being supported by the National Democratic Institute, USAID and Digicel.
STORMY WEATHER
Unexpectedly, rain and high winds damaged areas along the north coast and destroyed the seawall at the beginning of the One Love Boulevard leading to Negril’s beautiful West End.
The damage to the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier and the Carnival Magic cruise ship made Fox35 news in Miami. What is regrettable is the lack of assistance to the passengers who were stranded at the pier for 12 hours. Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and tour companies may have to get on board for such incidents, especially since visitor Adam Middleton said the US Level 3 advisory regarding Jamaica made them fearful to venture out.
Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard of the New York Police Department (NYPD) believes the advisory is overstated. A report on the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) website notes that “Sheppard’s observations, grounded in both statistical evidence and personal experiences, affirm the efforts of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of visitors.”
Shepherd and Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson were speaking at a press briefing last week attended by local and US reporters.
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 5, February 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Natalie Thompson, Line Producer for the ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ movie is relieved that finally, there is serious money being committed for the development of Jamaica’s film industry. Natalie has been local production manager for top films including ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’, ‘Cool Runnings’ and more recently the latest James Bond movie ‘No Time to Die’.
“This industry has been fighting for funding for over 30 years,” says Natalie, founder and CEO of the 50-year-strong Cinecom Productions. “’Marley’ made them aware of the industry’s potential, after successive governments wouldn’t even look. I hope that this billion-dollar fund will be used for equity, not loans. They should be investing in the development of the industry. It is difficult for us to tell our stories out of our own personal pockets.”
She says Lashana Lynch of Jamaican parentage, who was the Bond lady in ‘No Time to Die’ and played Rita Marley in the film says people are discovering ‘how shootable Jamaica is’ (in the best meaning possible).
In responding to the criticism that Jamaicans were not given enough roles in the film, Natalie said most of the characters were Jamaican. Lashauna, all the band members were Jamaicans including the sons of original band members Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett (who sadly passed away last Saturday) and Junior Marvin. Young Bob Marley was played by Quan Henriques, cousin of Sean Paul.
She said that Bob Marley’s character was complex and had to be played by a professional actor. The accomplished Kingsley Ben-Adir (‘Barbie’, ‘One Night In Miami’, ‘Peaky Blinders’) related that it took him six months to infuse the Marley majestic into his craft. He was coached by Fae Ellington in dialect and had to be trained by a choreographer to copy Marley’s unrehearsed moves.
Natalie Thompson managed the crew on the Jamaica locations in Kingston, Bull Bay and Irish Town. She said on any given day 300 Jamaicans were involved: decorators, wardrobe designers, construction workers, drivers moving around convoys of trucks, buses and trailers.
The Hope Road house where Bob lived was recreated on Lady Musgrave Road as there had been too many alterations to the original location. The house was taken down after the shoot. Similarly, the house in which the retired James Bond lived in ‘No Time To Die’, had been built near a beach in rural Jamaica and was removed afterwards. This is the level of investment which provides significant employment for Jamaicans in the film industry.
Natalie made it clear that the road closures for the day of the Premiere were not done for Prince Harry and wife Meghan, but in fact for the large outdoor concert hosted by Marley’s children, adjacent to the Carib Cineplex. For such a concert to not have a suitable venue is seen by Natalie as a major shortcoming for Jamaica’s arts and culture: “There is no country in the world with the cultural brand the size of Jamaica, which does not have a cultural centre.” We both agreed that with all their charm, neither Little Theatre nor Ward Theatre can serve this purpose.
Natalie said the saddest moment during the shoot was the death of Colin Smikle, location manager, who had a heart attack. Natalie said Smikle guided her crew through Trench Town for this and a previous movie, advising them to “look after the people and not certain others”. They filmed for three weeks there and at no time felt threatened. Plans are to build an auditorium at Trench Town Primary named in Smikle’s honour.
She said Bob’s close friend Neville Garrick (my colleague from Jamaica Daily News days) was on the set and right up to the wrap and she had no idea how ill he was. Neville had related to me his tour in Ethiopia with Bob, describing their royal welcome. Neville’s album cover designs called out Bob’s genius and protest. It was sadly beautiful to see that Neville’s family including Collette Garrick and their daughter Naomi, were there at the premiere of the film that would never have had the authenticity without Neville’s guidance.
As a Convent of Mercy ‘Alpha’ Alumnae I am proud of our classmate Natalie Thompson, who clearly took to heart the instructions of our legendary Principal Sister Mary Bernadette Little to ‘Think big’ and is now inspiring the authorities to do likewise.
My husband Hubie Chin was the engineer at record manufacturer and distributor Total Sounds in those days, interacting with both Bob and Rita Marley as he pressed ‘Catch A Fire’, ‘Burnin’, ‘Rastaman Vibrations’, ‘Natty Dread’, ‘Exodus’ and ‘Babylon by Bus’. He has always commented on Bob’s ebullience and Rita’s ladylike manner. I remember the day Hubie brought home a single and said his boss Herman McDonald wanted my opinion (I was then Daily News theatre reviewer), since Bob wanted a sizeable advance. When I listened I said, “Tell Mr Mac to give him double!” The single was ‘Rat Race’, and it went to the top of the charts and stayed there for many weeks. It is cool to have a bit of Marley history in our family.
Jamaica’s next local government elections will take place on Monday, February 26, 2024.
Step up and vote
With Local Government elections announced for Monday, February 26th, it is time again to exercise our franchise in one of the world’s strongest democracies. Indeed, Jamaica’s Directors of Elections and Electoral Commissioners have been called on to assist in planning and monitoring elections for several countries over the past 50 years.
Jamaica was granted full adult suffrage on November 20, 1944. The new system extended voting rights to adults regardless of race, sex, or social class. It was not until the passing of the Voting Rights Act in the US in 1965 that these criteria obtained there.
For those who believe their one vote will not count, history is replete with close shaves. So whomever your choice may be, please make the effort to cast your vote.
Alan Magnus
Farewell Alan Magnus
Jamaica was rocked by news of the passing of our beloved media legend Alan ‘Teddy’ Magnus, who passed away last Friday. My column in April 2017 that recalled the retirement party held for him after 46 years as our ‘Good Morning Man’, is excerpted below.
We waxed nostalgic at the farewell event for Jamaica’s undisputed King of Morning Radio, Alan “Teddy” Magnus. [The late] Doraine Samuels recalled their antics on air and Paula Anne Porter registered her respect for this incomparable radio man. RJR Group CEO Gary Allen noted the discipline of the man, a dependable early bird, and his brilliance, being the first announcer to start playing music digitally, even before his younger colleagues.
It takes a generous heart to know that whatever the environment, people need to know that life does indeed have a bright side to strengthen their coping skills. We are all in Alan Magnus’ debt for his gentle humour, a comfort zone in which we could prepare for whatever the day would bring.
Our condolences to his beloved daughter Kellie, first wife Valerie and other family members. May his joyful soul rest in peace.
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) says it is deeply saddened by recent incidents of elderly abuse, including the rape of a 91-year-old woman, and the mounting cases of death of elderly citizens resulting from fires in Jamaican homes.
The organisation is calling on every citizen and all communities to take steps to protect society’s most vulnerable.
“The CCRP exhorts community-based organisations, including those in the Neighbourhood Watch programme, to act with urgency in giving priority to activities that can safeguard our senior citizens from the threats they face from multiple sources,”
“As a first step toward providing protection from abuse and the prevention of fire, the CCRP recommends that Neighbourhood Watch and community organisations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, so that specific programmes can be arranged for their protection and well-being,”
CCRP commended the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) for their efforts in public education, raising awareness, and conducting inspections at homes for the elderly and recommend that the Neighbourhood Watch programme in communities be included in efforts to strengthen fire prevention.
The Jean Lowrie-Chin-led entity noted that in 2023 there were 10 reported fatalities from among senior citizens because of fires and that there are already two such fatalities since the start of 2024. Among the causes of these fires is the use of candles by persons who cannot afford electricity. The CCRP is therefore recommending that efforts be made by both governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide affordable solar lighting, especially for the homes of the elderly.
Data from the Auditor General’s Department reveal that in the period 2021-2022, the JFB responded to a staggering 7,881 genuine fire calls islandwide, averaging approximately one response every hour of every day throughout that year. While these numbers highlight the dedication of the JFB, they also underscore the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of fires affecting our elderly population.
Jean Lowrie-Chin, founder and executive chair of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), warmly addresses the audience at the March 2019 launch of the CCRP western Jamaica chapter in Montego Bay, St James. (Photo: Facebook @CCRPOnline)
The CCRP recommends the following measures to enhance safety and protect the elderly in our communities:
1. Neighbourhood Watch and community organisations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, be it a housing scheme, district, lane, or apartment/townhouse complex. This information can be used to arrange for regular visits by members of the community organisation to check on the welfare and safety of senior citizens. The information could also be shared with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Poor Relief Department, and Jamaica Fire Brigade so that specific programmes can be arranged for their protection.
2. Community safety workshops: Community based fire safety workshops conducted by the JFB for Neighbourhood Watch, religious, and civic associations to educate elderly individuals and their caregivers on preventative measures and emergency response strategies. These community organisations should take the initiative of inviting the JFB to stage these workshops.
3. Technology integration: Poor relief departments within the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should collaborate with NGOs to explore the integration of technology, such as affordable solar lighting, for even one bulb in the homes of the elderly, and the provision of smoke detectors with visual and auditory signals, for early detection and response capabilities in homes with elderly occupants.
4. Accessible fire safety resources: We commend the JFB for producing brochures in Braille so that individuals who are blind will get that information of what to do to prevent fires and what to do in the event of fires. We also recommend that accessible formats that can be viewed or heard from their telephones and radios be also provided for the most vulnerable.
5. Home safety inspections: The JFB and community organisations should more closely collaborate in identifying homes where the elderly reside so there can be regular safety inspections, focusing on the unique needs of elderly residents, and provide recommendations for improvement.
6. Emergency preparedness training: Community-based organisations should invite and facilitate the JFB to conduct emergency preparedness training sessions specifically tailored for the elderly, emphasizing evacuation plans, safe exits, and communication strategies during emergencies.
The CCRP stands ready to collaborate with local authorities, the JCF, the JFB, and community organisations to implement these recommendations and promote a safer living environment for our elderly population.
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 22, January 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Our pastor at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Father Richard Brown, shared a story that during last year’s magnitude 5.6 earthquake folks who had said they did not believe in God were calling out the name of Jesus. We had the usual cynical responses about the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast held last Thursday. However, we maintain that “more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”.
Sir Patrick Allen.
In his message at the event, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen thanked the members of Planning Committee for their commitment to the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast: “Their dedication has been instrumental in making this event a beacon of hope and unity on our national calendar.”
He said the theme, ‘Choose Hope, Arise and Build’, emphasized the need to work together to create a future that aligns with the country’s highest aspirations. Despite challenges, such as crime and a departure from cultural values, Sir Patrick called on church leaders to provide wisdom and guidance to national leaders through prayer.
He exhorted the gathering to:
Believe in a brighter Jamaica, where hope outshines despair
Use hope as a beacon that can guide our nation back from the precipices of crime and disorder
Hope for peace to reign in every heart, home, and community
Hope for a day when leaders and citizens alike embrace the righteousness that uplifts a nation
Believe in the transformative power of prayer
This year’s main speaker, Reverend Omar Morrison, pastor of the First Missionary Church emphasized the challenges leaders face. He referred to the biblical text at Mark 5:1-20, which narrates Jesus’s healing of a demon-possessed man, highlighting the destructive power of demons and the delivering power of God.
Acknowledging societal challenges, including crime, unemployment, and family issues, Rev Morrison contrasted despair with rays of hope seen in positive actions within the community. Rev Morrison called for the church’s urgent rescue and emphasised the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare. A call to action, he noted, is framed in the commissioning of the healed man to share his testimony and build hope.
He asserted hope for Jamaica despite challenges, emphasising the role of God, the Church, and citizens. The call to arise and rebuild relationships, institutions, and bridges of hope signal a commitment to a better future.
Our hearts warmed as we listened to youth speaker Kashief Barton, Campion High School sixth-form student and a youth leader at the Meadowbrook United Church. He described our existence as a tapestry of joy and sorrow, triumphs and trials. Like Nehemiah in the scriptures who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, he said choosing hope requires resilience and collective determination to overcome obstacles and actively contribute to society’s betterment.
“Choosing hope involves anchoring oneself in a foundation of faith,” he said, quoting Psalm 33:20-22: “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and shield. In Him, our hearts rejoice for we trust in His Holy name.”
“Hope is not a passive sentiment,” he explained and shared a favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
The project selected to benefit from the funds collected at the breakfast is the Educate to Elevate Community Outreach, a back-to-school programme of Hope Gospel Assembly, which has been providing back-to-school resources and scholarships to hundreds of children and their families for several years.
President and CEO of sponsor VM Group, Courtney Campbell, acknowledged the relevance and sustainability of the event: “As described, this is an investment, one that we at VM Group are proud to make. Our support of this forum over the past 39 years reflects our recognition of the potency of faith and prayer and the role the breakfast plays in championing much-needed values in the society.”
AMENDED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT
With the continued reports of domestic violence, putting mostly our children and women at risk, Jamaica welcomes the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act, 2023, which comes into effect today, January 22, 2024.
The amended Act aims to provide greater protection for victims of domestic violence. The amendments include allowing the court to issue protection orders, increasing the penalty for breaching a protection order to a maximum of $1 million and up to one year in prison, and expanding the categories of people who can apply for a protection order.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange emphasized that the Government is serious about addressing domestic abuse and called for an end to this cruel cycle. She also provided helpline phone numbers for those experiencing domestic violence: for women, 876-553-0372 and 876-236-1713; for men, 876-553-0387.
IMF GIVES JAMAICA HIGH MARKS
In a Financial Times report headlined ‘The IMF’s Fave Pupil Gets Another Gold Star’, writer Robin Wigglesworth shared the IMF’s assessment of Jamaica’s economic progress.
“Over the last years,” the report stated, “Jamaica has successfully reduced public debt, anchored inflation, and strengthened its external position. It has built a strong track record of investing in institutions and prioritising macroeconomic stability. This allowed Jamaica’s response to recent global shocks to be prudent, agile, and supportive of growth.”
It continued, “The economy continued to recover in 2023. After two years of rapid post-pandemic recovery, GDP (gross domestic product) growth is projected at 1.7 per cent in FY2023/24,with tourism well above pre-pandemic levels and unemployment falling to a record low of 4.5 per cent by mid-2023….Projected strong tourism inflows are expected to result in a current account surplus for FY2023/24, supporting a sound international reserves position.”
Don Anderson’s recent survey of business confidence shows a level of timidity, but this report should help boost our outlook.
A STRONG YEAR FOR CCCD
Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf students.
At last Tuesday’s annual general meeting for 2023, attendees were impressed by the achievements of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) after challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairperson Carol Robertson commended the staff at the organization’s three campuses in Kingston, Manchester, and St James led by Leon Samms.
They noted successful performances in examinations, the enrolment of 138 students, and the employment of 52 deaf staff members. CCCD’s initiatives have been focused on recruitment, infrastructure renovations, partnerships with local businesses, and ongoing projects with the Jamaica Red Cross. CCCD emphasises student involvement, spiritual development, and support through mentorship programmes and intentional parenting.
David Heron.
TOP AWARD FOR DAVID HERON
Actor and playwright David Heron has won the 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Award for Best Supporting Performer for his role in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The production, which received critical acclaim, was part of the Shakespeare in The Park Festival in Rhode Island.
Heron triumphed over almost 30 other nominees in a crowded field. The Broadway World Awards are prestigious regional theatrical awards announced annually by Broadwayworld.com.
In another big career move, Heron recently joined the production team for the upcoming HBO series Get Millie Black as a Jamaican acting and dialogue coach. Congratulations, Wolmerian David Heron – Age Quod Agis.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right) and Reverend Stanley Clarke pray during a previous National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. (Photo: King’s House)
The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, organisers of the annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, has announced that the 2024 event will focus on a message of hope for Jamaica’s future.
The 44th staging of the Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for Thursday, January 18, and sponsored by the VM Group, will be hosted under the theme, ‘Choose Hope: Arise and Build’. It will again be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, starting at 7:30 a.m.
Rev. Omar Morrison, pastor of the First Missionary Church, will be this year’s main speaker, while representing the youth interest will be Campion’s sixth-form student and a youth leader at the Meadowbrook United Church, Kashief Barton.
The project selected for the 2024 Breakfast is the Educate to Elevate Community Outreach, a back-to-school programme of Hope Gospel Assembly, which has been providing back-to-school resources and scholarships to hundreds of children and their families for the past several years.
Links will be shared with churches and interested institutions to broadcast the breakfast to their congregations, via YouTube and Facebook, in an effort to expand the reach and to engage a broader audience.
Reiterating the significance of the theme, Rev. Sam McCook, chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, emphasised that the theme serves as a call to maintain faith amid numerous challenges faced by individuals, leaders, and the nation.
McCook expressed that “Choose Hope: Arise and Build” urges us to embrace hope despite recognizing challenges, acknowledging our imperfections and limitations. The call is to believe that, with God’s help, we can overcome these challenges. He further noted that this hope acts as an uplifting force, igniting our spirits and empowering us to arise and build.
Courtney Campbell
VM Group President and CEO Courtney Campbell acknowledged the relevance and sustainability of the event. ” As described, this is an investment, one that we at VM Group are proud to make. Our support of this forum over the past 39 years reflects our recognition of the potency of faith and prayer and the role the Breakfast plays in championing much needed values in the society,” Campbell said.
The event will also be preceded by a Week of Prayer, beginning Thursday, January 11. A National Leadership Prayer Service is set for Sunday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m., at the Waltham Park New Testament Church of God. The focal point of that prayer service will be the Ministry of Education. Rev. Dr. Anthony Oliver, president, Caribbean Graduate School of Theology, will be the main speaker and Education Minister Fayval Williams, as well as ministry officials and principals from surrounding schools are expected to attend.
The Student Christian Fellowship & Scripture Union which, for generations, has helped to foster Christian youth leadership, was the 2023 beneficiary of the breakfast contributions in support of its efforts to improve the values and attitudes of students, particularly through enhancing school devotions.
Since its start in 1981, the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast has facilitated unity and fellowship through prayer among the nation’s leaders.
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 15, January 2024
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Four generations of the Hendrickson family celebrate patriarch Karl’s (fifth left) birthday at the opening of the multi-billion-dollar National Baking Company facility in Montego Bay.
This year comes with promises and problems, but two events last week reminded us that courage and perseverance will make it a successful one. Last Monday’s opening of the $6.2-billion plant in Montego Bay by Butch Hendrickson and last Tuesday’s celebration of Denis O’Brien’s Digicel journey are lessons in relentless perseverance.
At the Launch of the National Baking Company’s new factory, the 94th birthday of patriarch Karl Hendrickson was also celebrated. Karl started his career at his parents’ bakery in Magotty. He studied at Jamaica College and McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he met his beautiful wife, Nell. They returned to Jamaica and bought the premises at Central Avenue, where they set up National Baking Company and started their family: Lori-Ann Lyn, Gary “Butch”, Kevin, and Cathy Kerr.
With the guidance of their parents, the four embarked on their own entrepreneurial voyages. Lori-Ann with CB Foods; Butch with the expanded, retrofitted National Baking Company and the Coconut Bay Beach and Spa Resort in St Lucia; Kevin with the Pegasus, Courtleigh, Yummy, and other hospitality interests; and Cathy with Holiday Inn, Palms at Negril, among other initiatives.
Every parent will ask, how did Karl do this? He explained that he and Nell identified his children’s strengths and guided them to make the best of them.
His children have also emulated his social consciousness, which has resulted in them being indefatigable supporters of outreach programmes such as early childhood and The University of the West Indies STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, Missionaries of the Poor, Sister Mary Benedict’s Laws Street Trade Training Centre, Food For the Poor, and other great causes.
The first project I worked on with Karl was the former Primary Health Foundation as he believed that by strengthening primary health care there would be a reduction in non-communicable diseases and less pressure on our hospitals. Now we are hearing the same pronouncements from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
We have seen Butch shut down his National Baking Company plant so the entire staff could pack over 2,000 school bags for early childhood institutions at the beginning of each school year. Then off went the trucks throughout Jamaica to deliver the bags. Butch and his close friend Glen Christian also built the multimillion-dollar model basic and primary school at Union Gardens. National’s ‘Bold Ones of Manufacturing’ saw over 30 companies selected for marketing packages and had their ads emblazoned on its trucks. The company is currently funding the building of 12 houses. Indeed, he has declared to his staff, “Work hard and make the money because you know I plan to give it away!”
Celebration for Denis O’Brien
Denis O’Brien
The Digicel Jamaica Foundation has been run with the same spirit of nation-building for the past 20 years. Even as the telecoms business became more competitive, its patron Denis O’Brien insisted on investing US$45 million to fund education, special needs, community development, and environmental protection.
The focus on special needs was inspired by O’Brien’s chairmanship of the Special Olympics World Games, the first of its kind held outside the US. At the Tuesday celebration at the AC Hotel Kingston, Special Olympics Global Chair Tim Shriver recalled O’Brien’s leadership of one of the most spectacular events of its kind.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness lauded O’Brien for his landmark investment, making telecommunications possible for the humblest Jamaican. In turn, O’Brien thanked the Holness Government, specifically Minister Audley Shaw, for inspiring the building of their global headquarters on the Kingston Waterfront. He paid tribute to the P J Patterson Government for being “the architects of the telecoms liberalisation in 2000 in Jamaica… Jamaica’s inspired liberalisation policy was then copied by nearly all countries in Caricom and regionally”.
Videos and short messages marked the milestones of O’Brien’s impact in the Caribbean, Central America, Papua New Guinea, and islands in the South Pacific. His dedication to the development of Haiti was noted by former US President Bill Clinton and actor Sean Penn. The Digicel Haiti Foundation has built 192 schools in Haiti, rebuilt the Iron Market, and assisted survivors of the 2010 earthquake.
Here in Jamaica, the Digicel Foundation has created or significantly expanded 12 special needs schools, transformed the Alpha Institute, the St John Bosco Vocational Training Centre, several Mustard Seed residences, and Bethlehem Home for the Missionaries of the Poor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation donated thousands of tablets to schools for online learning and has been steadily creating smart computer centres in schools throughout Jamaica.
Similar projects are also being managed by the Digicel Papua New Guinea and Digicel Trinidad and Tobago foundations. The foundation’s Global Chair Maria Mulcahy spends months commuting and directing country CEOs Serena Sasignan, Sophia Stransky, Penny Gomez, and Charmaine Daniels as well as chairs Josefa Gauthier, Desha Clifford and yours truly (serving my final year).
O’Brien took the time to congratulate all who had contributed to the group since 2000, too many to mention here. However, we have to remark on the joie de vivre of Frank O’Carroll; investors Leslie Buckley, Lucy Gaffney, and Seamus Lynch, the first CEO; the brilliance of the late group CEO Colm Delves; David Hall’s positivity; communications whiz Antonia Graham; spirited Peter Lloyd; and Pauline Murphy.
We can be proud of the experience and class brought by our fellow Jamaicans, including Anthony Chang, board director; Lisa Lewis; Harry Smith, now chairman of Digicel Jamaica; Ken Mason; Krishna Phillips; Donovan Betancourt; and the late Heather Asphall, who was dearly missed at the event.
Not ready to rest on his laurels, O’Brien has initiated the Repair Campaign, which is vigorously pursuing monetary reparation for the plundering of Caribbean countries by our former colonial masters. Kudos to Gaffney for leading the charge and for the support of Sir Hilary Beckles and Professor Verene Shepherd.
O’Brien expressed gratitude to his wife Catherine for her support and caring for their four children while also participating in another aspect of their business.
On a serious note, he said, “The telecoms industry is in a difficult place right now and investors are pulling back. This is because the industry is being forced to meet higher and higher investment demands in network capacity, both in LTE and fibre network, to carry traffic for OTTs [over-the-top media services] such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, YouTube, and Netflix and many others. This traffic carried free of charge represents 70 per cent of network throughput. The 10 largest Caribbean operators have come together to put forward a cost recovery plan to Canto and Caricom to force big tech to pay their way.”
He thanked Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport “for his leadership and support at a Caricom regional level, in drawing other governments’ attention to this serious issue with OTTs”.
As he will be demitting the chair, while still serving as a director of the group, O’Brien welcomed the new chair, Rajeev Suri, noting that he is “highly talented [and bringing] new ideas and a proven international track record from his time as CEO of Nokia and Inmarsat”.
It has been an honour to serve and be inspired by both National Baking Company and Digicel. Here’s wishing them continued success and O’Brien a happy and fulfilling semi-retirement.
Pastor Claudia Ferguson, vice-chair of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) Committee; NLPB Chair Rev Sam McCook (second left) and Paul Lewis, (right), general secretary of the Student Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union, give their attention to Courtney Campbell, president and CEO of the Victoria Mutual Group, during yesterday’s launch of the NLPB at the offices of the Victoria Mutual Group in St Andrew. (Photo: Ricardo Makyn/Chief Photo Editor)
After the bloody 1980 elections, where more than 800 Jamaicans were killed, the first National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) was convened by the Church in an attempt to unite a nation torn apart by political tribalism.
Forty-four years later, Rev Sam McCook, chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, acknowledges that the state of affairs has changed but maintains that the event remains relevant.
“We are less divided overtly, we are less tribal, but the need to have an activity that provides a common space for us to share fellowship, for leaders who would not normally meet in the same space to hear a word from God through the message … we believe it is necessary,” he said.
McCook was addressing journalists during a media briefing yesterday.
Stating that the challenge of continued importance is an issue the event faces, he noted that the committee had taken steps to address this.
“We are trying to be relevant, we are trying to get younger people on our committee, and not just as window dressing. We’re going to give them responsibilities. We are making changes in format and programming that we believe will make it more relevant,” he said.
The 44th annual NLPB, which McCook said aims to foster greater unity in the country, will be held on January 18 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in a hybrid in-person and online format under the theme, ‘Choose Hope, Arise and Build’.
McCook further emphasised that the event is an important part of the country’s social infrastructure that helps define the country and reaffirms the good in society.
“I think a simple question to ask would be, if we did not have the breakfast and needed something like this, how would we go about doing it? And I believe it is better for us to have it, maintain it, so that if we end up being more polarised in the future, there will still be this common space that we share,” he said.
“Jamaica is a Christian country, and no matter what, we always resort to prayer, and so even from that perspective, it’s always relevant,” Pastor Claudia Ferguson, vice-chairman of the NLPB Committee, underscored.
McCook noted that the breakfast is inclusive, despite its exclusion of non-Christian faiths.
“I want to make the point that the breakfast is non-partisan, non-governmental, non-denominational, which means that what we do is really being done by persons who have a heart for our mission and have a heart for the nation,” he said.
VMBS SATISFIED WITH IMPACT
Victoria Mutual Group has been a sponsor of the NLPB for nine years. Its president and CEO, Courtney Campbell, expressed his satisfaction with the impact of the event.
“We are pleased that our nation’s leaders have committed to remain constant in prayer, and we call on them to go about the work of this great nation with even greater effort, passion, and commitment,” he charged.
A week of prayer, which started yesterday, precedes the main event next Thursday. Each day, divine intervention will be sought for a specific sector of leaders. On Sunday, committee members will gather to pray for a specific area of national life, as well as a series of pastoral visits to national leaders.
“A theme that has emerged very strongly out of our interactions this year is a recognition that the crises facing us as a nation reside a lot in the values we have, or in the declining value, and a recognition that the Church has an integral part to play in restoring the values that we desire to characterise Jamaica as a nation,” McCook stated.
Contributions garnered from the event will go towards supporting the work of the Educate to Elevate Community Programme – a back-to-school initiative of the Hope Gospel Assembly. Last year’s contributions, totalling more than $750,000, went to supporting the Students’ Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union.
Jamaica Highlights 