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”
Tag Archives: politics
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”