donalddeanchambers

God Wink

I was sitting in the peaceful ambience of a restaurant at Fond Deux, St. Lucia, when a man I had briefly met the day before approached me. He asked, “Do you know the meaning of ‘God’s wink’?” I said no, and he explained that it refers to a seemingly coincidental event or personal experience interpretedContinue reading “God Wink”

Growth without values is fragile

THE EDITOR, Madam: In his inaugural address marking the start of his third term, Prime Minister Andrew Holness offered a wide-ranging vision for Jamaica’s development. He pledged innovative policies to accelerate our sluggish economy, elevate our creative industries as engines of growth, and advance transformative projects to position Jamaica as a regional logistics hub. HeContinue reading “Growth without values is fragile”

Rum, salt and blessings

THE EDITOR: Madam: Two events, occurring at different times, caused unease among Christians in Jamaica. On November 17, 2013, The Gleaner reported that Rev Marjorie Lewis used salt to bless offices at the Ministry of Youth (‘Salty Ritual leaves youth ministry staff concerned’). Recently, Minister Daryl Vaz used white rum to bless school buses, prompting the JamaicaContinue reading “Rum, salt and blessings”

Divine Wind and Wave

I envision myself as a single grain of sand, a tiny speck upon the boundless expanse of the beach of creation. A humble grain, coexisting with countless others, part of the magnificent tapestry of the created order. Yet, despite my minuteness, my ego whispers that I am the vastness itself—claiming the beach for my own.Continue reading “Divine Wind and Wave”

Time to update registration, voting processes

THE EDITOR, Madam: Jamaica’s electoral system is well-established. For decades, checks and balances have guaranteed free and fair elections. However, while the system is just, it also needs modernising. If we are serious about engaging Millennials and Generation Z, the time has come to update our registration and voting processes. On the eve of theContinue reading “Time to update registration, voting processes”

Forced Silent Pause

The Church, a Formula One driver, speeding past despair and sorrow,unaware of life’s weight.The Church, a ship on vast high seas, powering past other vessels,shrouded in darkness.The Church, a car with air-conditioning,on life’s endless highway,members cocooned in individualism,floating in self-concern,oblivious to others.A sudden tire-burst, a forced pitstop,a rudder shattered by storm’s fierce cry,a failing engine,callingContinue reading “Forced Silent Pause”

Time the Healer

“They say time heals all wounds”Like a restless child awaiting Christmas dawn,I linger in hope for healing’s gentle touch,For my body to release the shadows of trauma,For memories to cease their hold and relinquish control.But time, slow as a snail’s silent crawl,Remains elusive, distant in the mountain fog,Unattainable as a fading star,Unforced, it drifts atContinue reading “Time the Healer”

Macro promises, micro neglect: lessons from UHWI’s modernisation

THE EDITOR, Madam: Modernisation of healthcare facilities is essential if Jamaica is to deliver first-class medical care to its citizens. However, modernisation—especially when showcased as part of a grand, macro-scale plan—must not come at the expense of addressing basic, day-to-day issues that directly impact patients’ well-being. Recently, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI),Continue reading “Macro promises, micro neglect: lessons from UHWI’s modernisation”

Blessed Birthday Theo!

In the emerald hills of St. Lucia,the healing springs of Soufriere,the Eden Garden of Fon Deux,I meet an adult Theo—This St. Lucian Theorecalls a toddling Trini, Theo,miraculously borntwo years ago and two daysbefore the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption,August 15.A chosen woman, Mary,who gave birth to Theo—the Son of God.To my Trini Theo,BlessedContinue reading “Blessed Birthday Theo!”

Silent Pauses

Tossing a pebble into a silent pond creates a ripple effect, with each concentric circle expanding outward from the gentle touch.One’s night rest becomes a quiet pause amid bustling activity, a sacred moment needed to forge meaningful ripples for the day ahead.Without this restful pause, the restless day begins, leaving a “ripple-less” surface that reflectsContinue reading “Silent Pauses”