Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:28-29)
Wishing you a fresh, uninhibited Saturday from Island Vignettes, Jamaica.
I took this photo during a Saturday hike into the Jamaica Blue Mountains.
Daisy in Cinchona Gardens, Blue Mountains – Jamaica
Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years. On 18th July each year the world commemorates the struggle and values of the former South African President through volunteerism and community service. Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that everyone has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.
This year I chose to participate in “YOGA FOR CHANGE: Lift up not lock up our children”: an event held through collaboration with Jamaicans for Justice with the Lift Up NOT Lock Up Campaign, the Jamaica Yoga Association (JAYA) and Universal Empress (Nadine McNeil) in association with the South African High Commission.
Yoga for Social Change67 candles to be lit for our children
I joined the JFJ, JAYA and Universal Empress yesterday for 67 minutes of yoga in tribute to Nelson Mandela’s fight for social justice and Jamaica’s fight for the upliftment of her children.
For 60 minutes I stretched and thought that my discomfort paled in comparison to what some of our children in adult lock ups endure. For 7 minutes I meditated to the sounds of birds in Hope Gardens and thought that many of our children are burdened by circumstances that makes the concept of play seem irrelevant. I placed my monetary donation in a jar and expect it to be handed over to a children’s home in Jamaica. The full effect of a candlelight vigil was diminished by the late setting summer sun, but this only highlighted my awareness of the fact that many children will wait for a very long time before they are empowered to let their lights shine.
In Jamaica, there have been numerous reports of children being held in adult lock ups and reports of those being held in state care receiving less than adequate attention for their overall rehabilitation and care. According to Jamaicans for Justice, a citizen’s rights action organisation advocating for good governance:-
“The stories of abuse and neglect of children in both children’s homes and detention centres are too common. We are distressed that the children who are in the greatest need of care and support are getting the least of it,” – according to a recently launched petition by the group.
The JFJ called for -among other things – the removal of children from the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre and police lock-ups and the removal of the designation “Uncontrollable Child” from the legislation as a reason to lock up a child.
Additionally, the group has called for a revision of the Child Care and Protection Act and the Corrections Act, and the creation of smaller rehabilitative centres for children – not juvenile jails.
On the other hand Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna has strongly opposed statements by the JFJ, pointing out that some 148 children have been removed from police jails between January last year and May this year.
Lift up NOT lock up our children
Here is one video posted by the JFJ that speaks to the situation for some children. While there are some elements I personally disagree with in the way in which JFJ’s message is packaged, the message itself is not to be discounted. I make a call to you to check the reports and judge for yourself.
“Lift up not lock up our children”
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Having fun at the CVSS Summer Games 2012 Copyrighted Image of CVSS Jamaica
Kingston, (July 11, 2013) — The 2013 CVSS Summer Games schedule has been publicly released and it includes a 100 meter run at 11:00am, open to all guests, sponsors, athletes and exhibitors.
The Games take place on Saturday, July 13, at Mona Bowl, UWI campus.
The opening ceremonies, which will be hosted by Minister with Responsibility for Sport, Natalie Neita-Headley, will take place at 10:00 am, and will be followed by the cheerleading competition.
According to CVSS CEO, Mrs Winsome Wilkins, the CVSS Summer Games are designed to give young people from at-risk communities an opportunity to compete in a spirit of fellowship with other athletes from across the island, to enjoy organized summer activities free of charge, and to build confidence and self-assurance through a programme of training leading up to the Games.
The Honourable Natalie Neita-Headley, who will officially open the Games, noted that “the government appreciates the real and potential impact of these CVSS Summer Games as they offer opportunities to both able-bodied and intellectually and physically challenged young athletes.”
The closing ceremonies will feature final team awards presented by Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Robert Ready. The CVSS will unveil the new slogan for the 2014 Games, and the winners of the first-ever slogan naming contest will be awarded Sony Nucleo Tablets, courtesy of the LIME Foundation.
More than 20 sponsors threw their support behind the Games, with the Usain Bolt Foundation becoming the latest sponsor. Mrs Wilkins said that the outpouring of support for the Games – including in-kind and cash donations -is a testament to a renewed spirit of partnership and philanthropy she is seeing across the island. “The spirit of volunteerism, of giving, and giving back, is alive and well in Jamaica.”
Having fun at the CVSS Summer Games 2012 Copyrighted Image of the CVSS Jamaica
Five exhibitors will also attend the Games providing information services to the attendees. The Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project (funded by GoJ/EU/UNEP) is a major sponsor as well as an exhibitor, bringing awareness and information to young people about the impacts of climate change and how to make a difference.
The CVSS, which is one of Jamaica’s oldest non-profit umbrella organisations, has been running the Games for several years, through their Youth Sector agencies. The Games are open to member agencies and other non-profits who provide much-needed social services to youth across the island.
For more information contact:
Mrs. Sharon Edwards
922-9424-7/534-2234 mobile
Cvsssummergames2013@gmail.com
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The Victim Support Unit of Jamaica does not have an established web presence and as such it is sometimes difficult to contact them. Please see below for a relevant flyer on the services provided as well as contact information for each Parish office across the island. I hope this is useful.
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“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” — Pedro Calderon de la Barca
Many of us are preparing for and dreading the arrival of Monday. I hope to help ease the transition. Green is a colour associated with renewal, self-control and harmony. This rich colour can help alleviate depression and anxiety while relaxing us mentally and physically. In tonight’s post, I offer you a glimpse of my encounters with this special colour. I wish you a green week!
While you enjoy the ride, I’ll pop off to mix myself up a batch of corn muffins! Maybe I’ll pop something green on top:)
A relaxing afternoon at Doctor’s Cave Beach, St. JamesTangerines mocking me from the tree. Taken at River’s Edge, St. Mary.This proud Jamaican displays his merchandise. Taken at Cross Roads, KingstonSunday afternoon in the Blue Mountains. Can you see the houses dotting the hillside? Look again!Can you guess where I met these vintage set of wheels? You get one guess!After all our travels, lets have sips and light conversation in my friend’s garden. She won’t mind!
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It was fun hearing from all of you as you tried to guess the site in my photo!Well its now time to reveal the mysterious destination! Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is Rose Hall Great Housein Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Rose Hall before its reconstruction
This Great House is probably one of the most popular in Jamaica and is located a few kilometres east of Montego Bay. It is a beautiful Georgian manse complete with stone base and a stunning view of the coast. The grounds are well-kept, peaceful and quite hilly in some spots. Occasionally you many glimpse a staff member pass by, dressed in the Jamaican traditional garb. Perhaps intentionally, this sight tends to feel like an immediate throwback to the days when slaves and servants scurried about their daily duties. If you look hard enough, you’ll spot a green-eyed cat peering at you from the shrubbery!
The story states that the White Witch was Annie Palmer, who was born in England to an English mother and Irish father. She spent most of her life, however, in Haiti. After her parents died of yellow fever she was adopted by her nanny who regularly practiced voodoo and taught her witchcraft. She later moved to Jamaica, where she was married to John Palmer in 1820. She reportedly stood 4’8″.
John Palmer was the owner of Rose Hall Plantation, east of Montego Bay. Annie’s husband (and two subsequent husbands as well) died suspiciously, and it is speculated that Annie herself brought about their demise.
Fancy a drink with a ghostly companion? Then go below-stairs to Annie’s eerie pub!
Annie became known as a mistress of voodoo, using it to terrorize the plantation, and taking male slaves into her bed at night and often murdering them; supposedly because she was bored of them. The legend has her being murdered in her bed during the slave uprisings of the 1830s by one of her slave lovers named Takoo, who also practiced voodoo and became one of Annie’s lovers. Annie was said to be killed by Takoo because she was in love with the husband of Takoo’s granddaughter. When Annie found she could not have him, she conjured a voodoo curse on Takoo’s granddaughter who died a week later. When Takoo found this out, he killed Annie. Takoo ran into the forest to hide after murdering Annie, but was quickly caught by an overseer (another of Annie’s lovers) and killed.
It is said that a family who owned the property after the Palmers had a housekeeper who was “pushed” by Annie off of Annie’s favourite balcony, subsequently breaking her neck and dying.
So what exactly makes me think of Jamaican society today? This beautiful country can be such a study in opposites at times! It is a curiously intertwined maze that keeps you guessing and never gets boring. For one Jamaica is a Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional Monarchy in which Queen Elizabeth
A few sips might help you deal with the fear! 🙂
II is the reigning monarch, represented by the Governor General. Although there have been many calls lately for Jamaica to become a Republic, I have to wonder.
I wonder because it is amazing to see at times how old British attitudes flavor daily life. In a country whose population is more than 90% African descent, classism seems to rear its head. The divide between uptown and downtown is clear from lifestyle to accent. A strong Rastafarian movement which denounces and defies “Babylon system” exists alongside a Jamaica in which there is clear deference for all things Caucasian at times. Although we have moved past the days of slavery, it seems we have in this society found other ways to create entrapment. Makes me think of Bob Marley’s call to Emancipate ourselves from mental slavery…
Anyway if you do get a chance, I highly recommend you read this book for the story! Enjoy *mwwwaahahahahahaha* (My attempt at scary laugh :))
The Book “The White Witch of RoseHall”Rose Hall Great House today
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Recently, I had the opportunity to combine work and pleasure while staying at the beautiful Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios Jamaica. Two and a half days of workshops on Strategic plans, Grant writing, Intercultural exchanges and Team building were pleasantly interspersed by good food, great camaraderie and phenomenal views from my 4th floor room.
View from my window
I loved it from the moment I stepped in. Eager service from bus to reception area, massive columns and archways, Latin music, ice-cold refreshing towels and free 2 minute massages available in the lobby. We were quickly whisked into our workshop area, so I was temporarily forced to contain the itch to explore.
My Sapphire Ocean view room was complete with private balcony, lush four-poster bed and stocked mini bar which I could use at no extra fee.
Four poster bed for ultimate comfortBeautifully tiled bathroom
Food was available almost 24 hours and ranged from elegant reserved affairs to casual swim-bys. On our first night we enjoyed teppanyaki style, chop-chop entertainment at the Jade Samurai. The second night was completed out on the pier under the starlight, serenaded by live music. For a few moments I felt like I was dining aboard the Titanic!
Having dinner Teppanyaki style!A delectable morsel for desert
The hot tub by the Piano Bar had its fill of us on Thursday night and Team building activities kept us busily scampering around the property for much of Friday afternoon. Friday night I waltzed, salsa-ed and laughed the night away at the Disco – the Bling! Saturday morning, aided by the pouring rain, a few of us contributed our top class worst karaoke performances, thus ending our stay with a bang, fizzle and pop!
I saved the best part for last – the beach. Come on, hop on in with a good book. Bliss awaits you…
After a long day of workshops, it’s time for a comfortable snooze on the beach!
Well what else can I say, except – “Ah boi, dis a de Island life!” 😀
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Today is a day of renewal for me. Today is the day I allow my mind and body to drift deliciously from slumber to wakefulness. I allow my ears to appreciate the symphony of birdsong outside the window panes. Today there is no urgency in my step. I have captured time and made it my slave. For today only. A fresh cup of tea is fully savoured.
It is Saturday. Today I get to unwind and push sad statistics and stories to the furthest recesses of my mind. Working in Development can take an emotional toll on the mind and body. All the more reason to appreciate an opportunity for renewal.
Early morning in Hope Gardens, Jamaica
The Place
The place is Hope Gardens, Jamaica. Started as an experimental garden in 1881, transformed into a lush, manicured oasis complete with all manner of exotic plants, Hope Gardens has been through times of neglect and care. I was fortunate to capture this moment at approximately 6:30am.
I was lost in a dream made up of soft, green carpet and blue cotton candy sky. Floral closets and palm fronds cast long shadows across the grass in the morning light and a slight breeze skipped playfully through the foliage.
I inhale. Then I exhale. For now, that is enough.
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It is always great when persons give back. When that “giving back” is for the benefit of children, then of course I give it three thumbs up! Yes – I will borrow a friend’s thumb! Last Friday, songstress Alaine did exactly that as she celebrated her 34th birthday. The event dubbed Walking on Air featured a wonderful line up of performances. Apart from Alaine, the three that still stand out clearly in my mind are Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser on sax and songstress Sherieta.
All proceeds from the event will be split between the Allman Town Primary School and Mary’s Child – a home for pregnant teens and their babies in Jamaica. I’m sure you will agree that this is indeed a worthy way to give back to society while celebrating one’s Earthstrong!
Tarrus Riley and Alaine entertain the crowdSongstress Sherieta (contributed photo)
Just picture it – mellow vibe, packed venue, starlight, Blues cafe in the background, aroma of fine cuisine, glasses of wine glinting faintly… Add to that the beautiful Alaine resplendent in white/black mini dress, the electrifying presence of Tarrus Riley showing the “Lion Paw” and the deep, earthy lyrics being belted out by Sherieta.
It’s not over yet…
Now imagine you are being serenaded by smooth notes floating out from the saxaphone – courtesy of the famous and talented Dean Fraser.
You should now have a smile on your face.
Do enjoy the photos (thank you Kate!) and video of Alaine performing one of her songs (No copyright infringment intended)
Tarrus Riley electrifies the stageThese patrons certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves!
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International development is all about civil society and governments pooling resources and efforts to change the conditions which give rise to poverty and inequality, in the process helping humans achieve their potential. Central to it all are human beings. Lives. People. For many of us involved in development work, we often start by thinking about everything we will bring to others’ lives. The solutions we are going to propose. The difference we will make. The interaction seems somewhat one-sided. Occasionally however, a light bulb goes off and in a brief instance of self-awareness, we are willing to admit that our perspective, ideas and thoughts are also being challenged, scrapped and rebuilt in the process. We become as much a beneficiary of the process of development as actors of change.
Today I highlight a few faces and persons whom I’ve met along the way. For different reasons they’ve left an indelible impression on my mind. Their words changed something in me and flavoured my perspective – for the better, I think. Thanks to each of you for the role you’ve played in advancing the development of your nation – even without you realizing it! (Click the photos to be taken to the related stories).
Lorna Hamilton Henry. She challenged the status quo. She changed me. Lorna having been diagnosed with HIV many years ago, stood up and continues to speak out about discrimination against PLWHA. My encounters and work with her opened my eyes to some of the unconscious prejudices I held and instead transformed me into an advocate of her mission. Today Lorna runs a small NGO – Mothers2Mothers TnT. Check her out on Facebook to see how you can help.Mr. Mason is no stranger to the Cuso Jamaica community. He is one of the first persons many of us meet. He runs an unofficial orientation session into Jamaican life, culture and music. Neville is an unending reservoir of fact & popular opinion that dates back to very early years. His unfailing courtesy and smile are always appreciated. He has been one of many sources of contextual information as I developed the child access to justice project.I met this group of enthusiastic young men in Crossroads – while we were doing cutaway filming of graffiti. They were so open and friendly. Reminded me of the innocence of childhood and all that we should be working to protect. It was also a sobering reminder of the obstacles our young men face in society as they navigate into adulthood.
All of us are not holders of PhD’s or recipients of public accolades. Yet this does not diminish the potential for our impact in society. I met this man in Trench Town a few months ago. As he stood in that position by the wall, he related many stories of Bob Marley’s life and the changes the community has undergone over the years. What a sobering reminder of the importance of the elders in our communities. Through their presence and story-telling, traditions and customs are preserved and history is archived for the benefit of future generations.
There is a popular saying that tells us we should not judge by appearances. Orlando Hamilton reinforced this lesson to me in a lasting way. I met him in the Burgher Gully community of East Kingston a few months ago. Orlando is a UNICEF X-Changer. This programme aims to give critical skills to young persons in communities severely affected by violence. The project is a brainchild of Trinbagonian star Machel Montano. Orlando, through his work both at home & abroad, has fulfilled his mission to resist the stereotypes given to persons from inner city communities. He has a remarkable story – one that will be featured very soon on ISLAND VIGNETTES. Look out for it!
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