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”
Category Archives: Editorials
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”
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”
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”
A Pope of Vulnerability, Continuity and Augustian Justice
THE EDITOR, Madame: The election of Pope Leo XIV signifies a crucial moment for the Catholic Church, combining humility, continuity, and a renewed focus on social justice. His first public appearance was marked by evident vulnerability—tears in his eyes, a quiver in his voice, and a face showing both wonder and anxiety. Does this humanityContinue reading “A Pope of Vulnerability, Continuity and Augustian Justice”
Pope Francis
THE EDITOR, Madame: As the world reflects on Pope Francis’ passing, it is imperative to examine the essence of his leadership style, which transcended mere promises and sought to enact meaningful change. A transformational leader, as epitomised by Pope Francis, articulates a shared vision that empowers individuals across diverse backgrounds to contribute to a collectiveContinue reading “Pope Francis”
Promises and Election
THE EDITOR, Madame: As Jamaica approaches yet another election cycle, it is imperative for the electorate to reflect on the numerous promises made by the current administration and the glaring discrepancies between these pledges and the present reality. The age-old adage, “A promise is a comfort to a fool,” rings painfully true as we witnessContinue reading “Promises and Election”
National Pride
MADAME: The Editor, Recently, a group of academic writers from West Africa, Jamaica, and the USA toured the Seville Heritage Park, the site of Emancipation Jubilee 2024. Managed by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), its mission is “to inspire a sense of national pride . . .” However, the visit both inflated and deflatedContinue reading “National Pride”
Technology cannot substitute humans
THE EDITOR, Madam: In a world increasingly driven by technology and automation, it is crucial to recognise the irreplaceable value of human interaction. A recent experience with my Visa credit card at Sagicor Bank Jamaica underscored the indispensable role of the human touch in businesses, providing us with relief and reassurance. During this experience, IContinue reading “Technology cannot substitute humans”
Mismanagement of Sports Facilities
THE EDITOR, Madame, The recent rescheduling of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying game between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, due to the lighting at the National Stadium not meeting FIFA’s minimum standards, serves as a poignant reminder of the government’s recurrent mismanagement of our sporting facilities. This failure to meet global standards is familiar, andContinue reading “Mismanagement of Sports Facilities”
Beloved Reflections 