Personal Account & Views | Adjunct Lecturer, University of the Commonwealth Caribbean and Executive Director, Jamaicans for Justice | Lover of this great nation
My 14y-o is demanding compensation to follow me to supermarket😑
Couple weeks ago, I asked him to cut up 3 onions, 1 sweet pepper & some garlic. He said then that servitude ended centuries ago & I should pay him $2k for the task
I paid him……then charged him $800 for breakfast
I’m not an early morning person so at 6:25am, my son made me a cup of coffee, whipped cream on top. I felt so special. He’s telling me about his day yesterday and we are bonding.
By 6:48, “Mommy,can I get $10,000 to buy a pair of football boots and my friends want to go….”
😑
My teen son & I discussing dating & gender roles.He mentions that as the guy, he must pick up, drop off and pay.
I’m stuck wondering w/ what money & in which car.
______
Me: fi an unemployed person, yuh very kind and genklemanly tho!
Son: Isn’t this how u want to be treated?
I unapologetically scoff at those who say they don’t support industrial action. This after benefitting from same. Political unionism and trade union-based political parties are the bedrock of our history towards decolonization and achievements of the very rights we enjoy today
The Ministry of Education is seemingly very powerless when it comes to holding schools accountable when children are locked out because of hairstyles and ‘tight’ pants.
Quite instructive that its authority is being assertively exercised when it comes to industrial action.
Quite frankly, empty symbolism.
Absolutely no one indicated that salary increases were not needed. Criticism was too much at once, lack of equity and lack of real accountability.
Are we to be impressed by this move?
Notwithstanding the circumstances, a life was lost - a 20 odd y-o young man. Responses under TVJ’s post range from “natural selection” to “f***a yuh”. We must never lose our humanity even when we think the decisions taken were unwise. Let’s challenge our reactions and resulting
When laws, realities and practicality are divorced from each other, it leads not only to unenforceabilty but also other far-reaching consequences for persons already vulnerable.
First, the churches have nothing to fear and now, abortion will never be the minister’s platform because of her mother. If the minister is unable to separate her personal experiences/convictions, then she is unfit to lead this constitutional reform process.
Please help find Ruschell Williams - my Westwood High School colleague who was last seen on Top Road, Brown’s Town on Sept. 15th.
Praying for her safe return.
Won’t participate in today’s outrage. I’m happy the young girl is getting support from her family and making her personal commitment to being a good mom and finishing her studies. That’s the best to hope for in these situations.
God bless her during this season & going forward
I read with interest the many tweets lambasting civil servants while promoting underemployment - all cloaked in intellectualism and patriotism. If you read deep enough, you will realize most are mere political drivel.
Buggery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. Note the law says men can’t be raped. Had parliament the political will, rape would be redefined so men and boys can get equal protection in law, and this accused would instead be facing possible life sentence.
A Trelawny man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy has been charged with buggery. It's alleged that the attack occurred between November and December last year while the two walked home from church.
Read more:
#GLNRToday
Social media is filled with toxicity. However, one must be very careful that interventions are not necessarily legislative. There is already a cybercrime act, defamation laws exist if one sullies your reputation. If one goes beyond that, are we reverting to some elements of
“If a govt has come to a point not afraid of the people, the people must remind the government that they should be afraid of the people! The people who do not respond on the streets to the arrogance of governments are nothing but herds of coward sheep that have approved fascism!”
@Karnythia
@solomonmissouri
Wow….she avoided an episode on Snapped or one of those shows. This guy would’ve likely harmed her. This isn’t funny at all; it’s frightening
I’m listening to NNN. Apparently if George Wright who is accused of domestic violence, marries the alleged victim, we can move on as we have bigger fish to fry.
I’m done.
I really hope public sector workers are able to receive their correct and full salaries due to them by end of day. The situation is untenable for most.
A recusal was warranted. One is within their right not to self-incriminate. However, given the position held as speaker, as a subject of a report of this nature, the speaker ought not to continue presiding over parliament. Principles of good governance must be respected.
JFJ remains resolute in our good work. We will not be daunted. When governments are fearful of accountability, they try to discredit those who hold them to account. This type of slander from government officials is not new, but it is very unimaginative and coward!
Rather than applauding the bravery of a child who dared to speak on what was clear danger to many, the
@MOEYJamaica
, unsurprisingly so, has come out in support of a punishment that is not only unwarranted but excessive.
The state continues its support for draconian measures
We must advocate for fixed election dates at both general and local elections. Also, there must be safeguards to prevent protracted delay of local government elections.
The PM advised that the thought process is 30 years minimum for murder. Executive overreach and blurring the lines of separation of powers. Clearly, removing judicial discretion and authority seems to be the order of day. Very concerning….
At what point will PM
@AndrewHolnessJM
distance himself and his government from Min. Warmington’s frequent contemptible statements? This cannot be standard of leadership in this country, for someone who sits in Parliament. Maladministration being promised to supporters.
(WARNING: Expletive)
Everald Warmington, identifying himself as the Minister of Works, declares that no PNP councillor will spend his money after the
@jlpjamaica
incumbent Lloyd Grant was unseated by
@JamaicaPNP
's Kurt Waul in the Old Harbour South Division in
#LGE2024
.
Not only is the SoE an affront to our constitution, the regulations themselves are quite problematic. A thread will be offered tomorrow on the main areas of concern. No to an extension. SoEs must be discontinued altogether as a routine crime fighting measure.
Natural disasters show the reality that many of our people are living in abject poverty. Basic needs such as adequate shelter, clean drinking piped water, some without food. We need to have more discussions on sustainable housing solutions.
Our thoughts are with the staff at the Integrity Commission. I hope the injured director is not seriously harmed and will see a full recovery. Public servants should never be in fear of their lives, or that of their loved ones, because they are carrying out their lawful duties.
The comments of Min. Warmington and Dennis Meadows are unacceptable. What exactly do we want from our political leaders? Unseemly despicable commentary from both. Openly speaking about maladministration and supporting criminality. Jamaicans must reject this type of politics
🧵 Things for us all to ponder:
1. An arrogant government, an act of maladministration and bad governance, has left the country without a DPP - the highest prosecutorial authority
2. An action that has caused confusion among ordinary citizens asking “what of the cases now?”
1/
I ask again,if parliamentarians are so sure that integrity commission acted improperly,or have their questions,why not exercise powers of the Oversight Committee? No, their purpose is seemingly to undermine public trust in the body generally, & its Executive Director specifically
I’m hard pressed to believe that at 5:30pm on Dec. 23rd that there are public sector workers, however few, who have not yet received their December salaries….it’s a damn shame and I hope this information is incorrect
The Integrity Commission (IC) is headed by duly appointed 5 Commissioners who are responsible for the governance and oversight of the IC pursuant to the requirements of the Act. The 5 Commissioners include Auditor General, 2 retired judges, retired public official and an NGO rep
Freedom is often taken away a little at a time, with persuasive arguments from those in power asking us to concede our rights and freedoms for the greater good. Whether it be to fight crime or some other “reasonable” justification.
Remember, freedom is hard won and easily lost.
Demonstrative leadership by
@MarkJGolding
. I am happy that calls have been heeded.
I trust our PM, the leader of the nation
@AnrewHolnessJM
will follow.
We will not let up until and unless Mr Warmington is removed.
As a citizen, I believe any parliamentarian who misses more than 20% sitting of parliament should face disciplinary measure to possible booting. Far too many legislation get stalled that affect us all and the many important national issues. To whom much is given, much is expected
1/
The despotic regime of state of public emergency, unsurprisingly so, was announced just now. I found several aspects of the presentation to be of great interest, including the PR one-liner of ‘SoE Saves Lives’ despite no real evidence supporting same
Admittedly, JLP manifesto is much more thought out the PNP’s. Like the PNP however, they seem to forget some existing policies and legislation that they themselves have started. For example, the green paper on National Health Insurance - should’ve been positioned as continuity.
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” - Bob Marley
Big constitutional win for the Virgo family. Let’s press for policy change from the Min. of Education, moving away from suggestive to more prescriptive policies on pressing areas.
I look forward to Sen. Scott-Mottley’s position that opposition will vote no to extension being (re)affirmed by the other 7 senators. I hope a govt Sen. actually supports a principle stance to uphold the courts’ ruling around problematic regulations & unconstitutional provisions
I’m listening to this interview with Min Chuck on Beyond the Headlines and I think the government lacks appreciation for participatory governance. It completely undermines the purpose of the constitutional reform process as well [also considering the recent DPP and AuG issue]
Over the past two days, I’ve read at least three articles (maybe 4) where teenage boys have raped and sexually assaulted a female minor (separate incidents)
We need to rethink age appropriate comprehensive sex education with our children, frank conversations on consent.
The mishap with the post of cabinet Secretary suggests that either the government does not understand the provisions in the constitution or it has no regard for it. Either way, it’s cause for concern. Troubling!
@jahnellabella
@vashanbrown
Girl, I know the feeling. While I eventually did CXC gen math, Westwood recommended me for basic Math at CXC. 😂
It’s so bad that I’m ‘helping’ son with PEP maths and when I exited bathroom, the child ask “Have you googled and found the answer yet?” Mi did suh shame 🤣
Lack of consultation and troubling approach to the passage of an amendment to the supreme law has rendered the office of the director of the public prosecution into unnecessary controversy and disarray.
Quite unfortunate and was avoidable.
I carefully curate the media sources that I listen to/read/watch for international affairs and geopolitics. If not, you will easily side with the oppressor. History and facts matter.
@_shukura_
Don’t forget the entrenched sexist implications of movie ‘Temptation’. How dare a woman cheats on her presumably boring husband with a successful hottie? If you do, there will be karmic punishment w/HIV, alone & unloved then back in church to gain redemption from your sinful act.
Let’s stop pussyfooting around the issue.The Robanske injustice is the result of institutional failure.Ministry also lacks “take the bull by its horn” approach.The Exec & legislature are also lacking. Despite countless reports/findings from past tragedies,to date, little action!
Victims should be treated with compassion and respect for their dignity. Taking measures to minimize retraumatization and protect their privacy. While one should sympathize, no victim of crime should endure cameras in their faces and absolute strangers in their houses.
Dr. Lloyd Barnett launches 2nd edition of his book ‘The Jamaican Constitution: Basic Facts, Principles and Questions’.
Such brilliant mind and national treasure.
I watched several clips of the online show involving Mr Buchanan, following the one circulating on social media. The general tone was vile and derogatory. This is not acceptable behavior. Such contemptible display ought to be condemned.
Twitter come een like a real 9 day wonder. Government respond quicker to sleeveless ban than Petrojam and they all fell for it - news cycle change again.
So, unsurprisingly, the approach to crime fighting is more states of public emergency, the tabling of Enhanced Security Measures Bill in April 2023 (we now know the date) and the Bail Act.
So detention w/o evidence or charge is now the way to go in a free and democratic society
I note with interest that the PM referenced Roshaine Clarke’s ruling on the regulations to assert SoE use was not ruled on its constitutionality but on regulations. No reference, however, to Everton Douglas where the court declared “that there is no valid state of emergency”.
Let’s take pause on this Sunday morning to express our grief and stand in solidarity with the people of Morocco.
An earthquake has resulted in the death of more than 2000 people; another 2000 injured, with more than half in critical condition. Numbers continue to rise.
🙏
Really happy for tonight’s all angles discussion. As many colleagues have said, it was a (re)education exercise tonight. Have advised my friends and urge the PM not to readily dismiss claims but use opportunity to engage and settle this. Maroons too important in our history.
@jnbanklimited
Another notice of mortgage increase. First increased by almost $9000 & now by another $8000. This is the height of corporate greed. I make no qualms about saying this publicly.
You need to advise your customers about a mortgage switch. I will be pursuing same.
Top UN official in New York, Craig Mokhiber, who is the director of human rights, steps down citing ‘genocide’ of Palestinian civilians. He accuses the US, UK and much of Europe as ‘wholly complicit in the horrific assault’
Principle and integrity - standing for something👏🏾
Some, including private sector, have lent their support to SoE as a short-term measure. Six years later, with one SoE in particular receiving multiple extensions lasting over a year, I’m keen on understanding how they determine what is “short-term”, “medium-term” or “long-term”.
My heart is with the parents and loved ones of that little girl from Lucea. To be taken so soon in such a violent and disgusting manner is truly heartbreaking.
I think a little public education is needed on current legislative provisions that already exist as we contemplate the issue of mis and disinformation.
1. One can bring a Defamation claim if there has been false information about or damage to a person’s reputation. Doesn’t
The savings law clause should be fully removed. I’m a big proponent of this change during the constitutional reform process. In a modern democracy, we should not be protecting and safeguarding state discrimination from being constitutionally challenged.
BREAKING: The Constitutional Court has ruled that the savings law clause of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms prohibits it from entertaining a challenge to the country’s buggery law.
Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, called Devon House his home when it was built in 1881.
What was a green space for recreation, against the backdrop of great history, is now partly red concrete/brick.
Constitution contemplates one extension. A second was sought. The PM received legal advice that saw such request not granted.
To circumvent constitutional provisions by a rushed amendment, despite objections, can only be described as arrogant. No other word seems appropriate.
Despite the government’s knowledge of a request for precautionary measures from the Inter American Commission on Human Rights by attorney Malene Alleyne, they have still gone ahead with returning the Haitians. Says alot about how the government views due process and rule of law.
Nine Haitians who were among a group who entered Jamaica illegally between Sunday and Monday earlier this week in Long Road, Portland were sent back to Haiti on Wednesday evening.
The leader of opposition must clarify his statement made last night “..and even some who not alive,you know,if dem can deal wid it,no prob”.
This particular statement was made when urging supporters to vote.
Leaders must be mindful of what they say on political platforms.
I’m truly confused by those who say they support SoE as “short-term” and “interim”. Is short-term applicable given SoEs are being used since Jan. 2018? Extended as long as 1 yr 3months recently? I’m nonplussed, truly, on their understanding of these definitional terms
If what the leader of opposition says is true, then there is no duly constituted public service commission.
Members are appointed by the GG, acting on recommendation of PM after consultation with the LOO. This is an indictment on political leadership.
Comedy of errors.
As I stated on Friday on Beyond the Headlines, the actions of the government has led (leading) to a constitutional crisis and governance tumult.
An acting DPP must be appointed forthwith and the Public Services Commission commences a transparent process for a replacement.
Unfortunately, I expect another update from the EOJ.
Two things: 1) Portmore is not a municipal corp. It’s a City Municipality and 2) table needed a brief explanation that Portmore’s divisions are also included in St. Catherine’s. May distort division count for the unfamiliar.
The importance of jurisprudence is often overlooked when discussing CCJ. Most who have criticized CCJ have not taken opportunity to actually look at the judgements coming out of CCJ.
Further, we cannot speak of decolonization and still restrict ourselves to Privy Council.
I declare my personal full support for abolition of the monarchy and adoption of CCJ. Looking forward to the Jamaicanising of the supreme law and new words of enactment, etc. Here are some of my initial thoughts on the CRC report:
1. What type of president is being proposed? -
Good morning Min.
@kaminajsmith
Are you able to indicate which civil society groups are being consulted and the nature of consultations? Also, for transparency, are you able to indicate the names of the 7 other groups?
I have not been able to find agreement. Is it public?
Jamaica will delay signing a major funding agreement with the European Union amid concerns from a local Christian group that the proposed deal "will bind Jamaica to undefined human rights obligations tied to trade sanction".
Read more:
#GLNRToday
@_shukura_
Am not a Tyler Perry movie fan at all...he should’ve stopped at the comedic relief of Madea. But when he tried to make social commentaries, one really gets an insight of his problematic view of gender and race.
I have taken note of the House Speaker’s changed position regarding the tabling of reports.
I look forward to reading the Attorney General’s report. Notwithstanding its content, the principle was clear. This report was not the Speaker’s to assert legal privilege.
Put your X somewhere - whether beside the head, the bell or that for an independent candidate. Go out and vote!
Your vote is your voice. Representation matters.
A constitution without constitutionalism? A reform without meaningful change? We must demand increased public education and dialogue on issues of limitation of power (limited government); separation of powers (checks and balances); and responsible and accountable government. We
See statement from JFJ. 👇🏾
The position of chair of a police federation warrants latitude in what one says as advocacy is a critical component in ensuring needs of officers are met. This is an attack on freedom of expression and ability of rank-and-file to freely associate.
This interdiction is an attack against every rank-and-file member of the force who wants their well-deserved and earned overtime pay. It is unacceptable that such actions are being taken against those who work tirelessly to protect our communities and uphold the law.
Dear
@JamaicaGleaner
, please be advised that children above the age of 14 can actually get up to life imprisonment and per law can actually serve such sentence, if imposed, in an adult facility.
Kindly educate yourself before drawing cartoons perpetuating ignorance. Do better.
Troy Caine’s knowledge of political history was phenomenal. I love hearing political analyses with knowledge of systems, historical context + trends across divisions and constituencies.
He is missed.
There is absolutely a place for ‘behind the scenes’ soft advocacy. However, when governments are hell-bent on sacrificing the rights of the poor for political expediency, disruptive advocacy must be exercised. No apologies for same.
The fact that you can have a statement being made that nothing precludes you from simply declaring another SoE should opposition not support extension is emblematic of the scant regard for tenets of good governance.Had there been no consideration, such statement would not be made
There are 3 equal branches of govt. Parliamentary system only secures the independence of the judiciary given the other 2 are fused. Separation of powers is key to our constitution - a principle to be upheld and safeguarded.
I’m happy people have woken up to the implications of Portmore receiving parish status and especially the process being undertaken.
Here is article with CAFFE’s warning:
“Member of Parliament for South West St. Catherine Everald Warmington says with the coming boundary shift in Portmore, St. Catherine, the Jamaica Labour Party will create a stronghold in the St. Catherine East Central constituency.” - Radio Jamaica
The issue of access to safe abortions, whether exercising one’s right to choose or even in medical emergencies, must be reviewed objectively. While one can appreciate personal convictions, policy formulation is in response to citizens’ needs -in this case, vulnerable & poor women
I genuinely think concept of ‘principle’, ‘due process’ & ‘rights’ elude many,disappointingly so among those who are expected to know better.The moment we start applying ‘principles’, ‘due process’ & ‘rights’ to only those deemed desirable then we are in deep problem as a society
The JA Council of Churches says steps must be taken to ensure that the Integrity Commission is protected from possible suppression of its authority & that its independence remains protected & preserved.Similar caution noted by
@JAForJustice
Tune in on the Bridge 99FM next Tuesday at 1pm as we talk constitutional reform with two former prime ministers on the then process vs the current. Importantly, given the impasse, where do we go from here?
Promises to be an exciting conversation on such an important issue!
Former Prime Ministers of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Bruce Golding and Most Hon. PJ Patterson will be with us on Let’s Talk Justice discussing the constitutional stalemate and how to move ahead with the reform process.
The show airs next Tuesday at 1pm on
@thebridge99fm
.
I commend the opposition for not lending its support to the extension of the SoE. Notwithstanding, the opposition must reject SoEs on a matter of principle and adherence to constitution. No ‘fixing’ of the regulations can ever justify the SoEs being used as is.
Listening to Dr Horace Chang on Beyond the Headlines with
@djmillerJA
suggests a lack of appreciation for the severity of Mr Warmington’s comment and the need for strong condemnation from PM versus perception of political expediency. Obfuscation. Not best person to speak on this.
To deny the Haitians even an opportunity to speak to an attorney shows the government’s absolute contempt for due process and flagrant disregard for international law.
Playing on the fears of J’cans by stigmatizing Haitians rather than conducting an individualized assessment.
Founder of migrants’ rights group, Freedom Imaginaries, Malene Alleyne, says the Jamaican government has violated international law by way of its treatment of Haitians who land on the country’s shores.