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”
Category Archives: Editorials
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”
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”
Accountability for institutional dysfunctions
THE EDITOR, Madam: Three weeks after my mother left The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), we received a call – not to check on her health or follow-up care – but to give vague billing details. We were told that the final bill would be available after settling with the insurance, and ifContinue reading “Accountability for institutional dysfunctions”
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”
Beloved Reflections 