THE EDITOR, Madam: The Gleaner article of March 13, “Filth and Hazards on Waltham Park Road,” acts as a mirror reflecting Jamaica’s deeper socio-economic and moral condition. Imagine, for a moment, that Jamaica is a patient taken to A&E. Waltham Park Road is the body before the doctor for examination. What symptoms would the physician identify?Continue reading “Waltham Park Road – symptoms of a nation in distress”
Category Archives: Editorials
Gifts of national transformation
THE EDITOR, Madam: As in the biblical story of the Magi (Wise Men), Jamaica in 2025 received three gifts or stories that must be told, as they are models for national transformation rooted, not in rhetoric, but in value-centred programmes powered by skilled training and the creative arts. The first gift came in a conversationContinue reading “Gifts of national transformation”
When gold turns yellow, national pride and value fade
THE EDITOR: Madam: As we step into a new year, a personal dream that the post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding will move beyond roads, bridges, and houses to the reconstruction of the very values that shape who we are. Recovery must be both physical and moral. And few national symbols speak more powerfully to our identity thanContinue reading “When gold turns yellow, national pride and value fade”
When public works becomes public inconvenience
THE EDITOR, Madam: Government institutions such as the National Water Commission (NWC) have perfected the art of turning necessary infrastructure upgrades into exercises in human suffering. Too often, their operations make daily life unbearable, burdensome, and emotionally draining, while simultaneously dragging down national productivity. The latest example is unfolding in the Liguanea/Wellington Drive corridor —Continue reading “When public works becomes public inconvenience”
Reimagining the National Prayer Breakfast
THE EDITOR: Madam: The National Prayer Vigil remains one of Jamaica’s most meaningful spiritual traditions, and Christian churches deserve commendation for sustaining it faithfully over the years. They have carried the country through seasons of grief, turbulence, and renewal. Yet, as Jamaica evolves, so too must our shared expressions of national prayer and unity. TheContinue reading “Reimagining the National Prayer Breakfast”
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”
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”
Beloved Reflections 