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”
Author Archives: donalddeanchambers
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”
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”
Beloved Reflections 