donalddeanchambers

Myth of the able-bodied

THE EDITOR, Madam: Each year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities prompts reflection. Yet, what is needed is a profound global paradigm shift. The very phrase “persons with disabilities” itself is a misnomer. As eloquently noted by a speaker, every human possesses a range of abilities. None of us is complete; we are allContinue reading “Myth of the able-bodied”

Breadfruit and hope after the storm

THE EDITOR, Madam: In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, our beloved Jamaica mourns. The wind’s roar has subsided, but in its silence, the cries of families who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and, heartbreakingly, loved ones still echo. Roofs lie scattered like memories; rivers continue to flow through living rooms; children sleep where walls onceContinue reading “Breadfruit and hope after the storm”

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”

Vale Royal should rise again

THE EDITOR, Madam: I am writing to commend the prime minister for renewing the Vale Royal Talks with Opposition Leader Mark Golding. In doing so, he has taken a crucial step towards restoring confidence in Jamaica’s democratic maturity – not just in its mechanisms but in its spirit. This renewed dialogue signals a commitment toContinue reading “Vale Royal should rise again”

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”

Restore Vale Royal, restore trust

THE EDITOR, Madam: When Prime Minister Andrew Holness used his swearing-in ceremony to invite Opposition Leader Mark Golding to “let us talk,” it appeared as a mature and statesmanlike gesture. However, the subsequent step – a letter asking Mr Golding to meet instead with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck – undermined that intent. In diplomacy, leadersContinue reading “Restore Vale Royal, restore trust”

Address the crisis of values and attitudes

THE EDITOR, Madam: Three articles in The Gleaner on September 28 – ‘Costly lift-off’, Jalil Dabdoub’s ‘Cabinet bloat and the crisis of entitlement’, and Rev. Sean Major-Campbell’s reflection – converge on one sobering truth: Jamaica is in the grip of a crisis of values and attitudes. In my recent letter to the editor, I argued that JamaicaContinue reading “Address the crisis of values and attitudes”

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”