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Some questions of the day
Barbara Gloudon
Friday, November 30, 2007
THE QUESTION OF THE DAY: What can we realistically expect of the next lot of parish councillors who will take up office after December 5? Why do so few people seem to even know who is representing them in this and other local government elections? For the rest of their time in office, who will know them, much less where to find them?
Elsewhere, another columnist (Peter Espeut) has suggested that the anonymity of councillors is because members of parliament have taken over what councillors are supposed to do. He advances the theory that it is in Parliament that we hear about schemes for water supplies, for electricity installation and road repairs. The media rarely mentions what's going on in parish council meetings, except when there is some kinda ruckus or some self-serving statement is issued.
Local Government, to me at least, is the "ministry of small things", and small things matter. A pothole in the road which is filled in before it morphs into a large sinkhole should be the focus of the councillor's attention, we assume. He/she should be the one on the front line to demand appropriate remedial action of the relevant repairer of the road.
True, there are the demonstrations for the benefit of the TV camera, but is that all there is? Where do most people go to find their councillor, anyway when he/she is needed? I'm told that in areas outside Town, it is at the parish council office on meeting days is where they're supposed to be. Where else? It would be nice to know.
The lack of urgency in some issues is little short of cruel. I think especially of the situation in Eastwood Park and similar older neighbourhoods where long-time residents are being forced out by business concerns adapting from residential to commercial use, without any change of covenant.
Similar blight is taking root not only in urban centres but even quiet rural areas which provide a texture to the overall quality of life of our nation. They are being encroached on, also nary a councillor's voice heard publicly, crying out against the injustice.
Hey now, before you get the impression that I think all councillors are no-goodniks, mi never sey so. There are good people in the system out there, but we need to know about the rest. or we cannot be blamed for thinking that the new journey now about to begin is just another all-expenses paid vacation for some.
BIG-BIG STORY: Experts say it is destined to find its way into the archives of our nation-story. Pundits are predicting that before long, the story of Cash Plus will be added to the archives, alongside the Book of FINSAC.
Some weeks ago I was at a certain place and overheard a group of women talking. All were Cash Plus investors. All confessed to having moved savings and other assets to invest with this dream scheme, enticed by 120-per cent per annum reward.
Stories are being swapped about taxis bought, houses repaired and school fees paid. It was a proud recitation of the wonders of escape, a menu of catch-up and a breather from the treadmill of the marginalised, who scramble from one paycheque to another, barely keeping ahead of the hard-time wolf snapping at their heels. It was understandable, a businessman said, why a scheme of rich rewards would be attractive?
The head of Cash Plus has acquired saintly status among "poor people". It is said that when he arrived at the Stadium for the recent resurgence of the Reggae Boyz, he was greeted with thunderous applause, accorded even greater respect than the action on the field. If it were to be proved that what he is doing does not fit into the slot marked "Appropriate", "poor people" are prepared to give him full benefit of all doubt and endow him with full canonisation.
It must be pointed out that apart from the discomfiture of the banks and the rest of the traditional financial status, no charges have been brought against the scheme or its operator. He has made statements of assurance that all is well. Public opinion continues to be on his side. If anybody is being judged it is the banks which, according to "the street", is trying to stop a "small man from doing a ting". What is dis!
HOW MANY WORDS would be enough to extol HERB MCKENLEY? The writers and the orators will try, but a simple "he was the best", sums it up. Herb not only represented the golden age of Jamaican athletics but was a symbol of hope for a generation who had little of the benefits so easily squandered nowadays.
He came on the track long before Bling and Dope. He didn't know the philosophy of winning at all costs. At the height of fame, he remained cool, humble and accessible. The designation of "icon" has been cheapened by reckless use in recent times, but today it is back where it belongs. Herb McKenley WAS an icon.
Bill Cosby, in one of his books, tells of how as a lanky youth, dreaming of athletic prowess, he inspired himself as he ran through his Philadelphia streets imagining that he was "Herb McKenley of Jamaica". Yeah, man.
RESPECT, TO THE DRAGON: This week, veteran bandsman and entertainment visionary Byron Lee said thanks to persons who represent the kind of support which helped him and his Dragonaires to become a household name in Caribbean music for half a century.
It is no secret that Byron has battled some serious rounds with the Big C. Family members say last year this time it was especially difficult. It took every ounce of strength to fight back, but, with iron will and the support of his family, the Dragon returned to the bandstand for New Year's Eve. His signature tune "It is no secret what God can do." Byron deserves every good wish showered on him and his family, too. Nuff respeck!
- gloudonb@yahoo.com
Barbara Gloudon
Friday, November 30, 2007
THE QUESTION OF THE DAY: What can we realistically expect of the next lot of parish councillors who will take up office after December 5? Why do so few people seem to even know who is representing them in this and other local government elections? For the rest of their time in office, who will know them, much less where to find them?
Elsewhere, another columnist (Peter Espeut) has suggested that the anonymity of councillors is because members of parliament have taken over what councillors are supposed to do. He advances the theory that it is in Parliament that we hear about schemes for water supplies, for electricity installation and road repairs. The media rarely mentions what's going on in parish council meetings, except when there is some kinda ruckus or some self-serving statement is issued.
Local Government, to me at least, is the "ministry of small things", and small things matter. A pothole in the road which is filled in before it morphs into a large sinkhole should be the focus of the councillor's attention, we assume. He/she should be the one on the front line to demand appropriate remedial action of the relevant repairer of the road.
True, there are the demonstrations for the benefit of the TV camera, but is that all there is? Where do most people go to find their councillor, anyway when he/she is needed? I'm told that in areas outside Town, it is at the parish council office on meeting days is where they're supposed to be. Where else? It would be nice to know.
The lack of urgency in some issues is little short of cruel. I think especially of the situation in Eastwood Park and similar older neighbourhoods where long-time residents are being forced out by business concerns adapting from residential to commercial use, without any change of covenant.
Similar blight is taking root not only in urban centres but even quiet rural areas which provide a texture to the overall quality of life of our nation. They are being encroached on, also nary a councillor's voice heard publicly, crying out against the injustice.
Hey now, before you get the impression that I think all councillors are no-goodniks, mi never sey so. There are good people in the system out there, but we need to know about the rest. or we cannot be blamed for thinking that the new journey now about to begin is just another all-expenses paid vacation for some.
BIG-BIG STORY: Experts say it is destined to find its way into the archives of our nation-story. Pundits are predicting that before long, the story of Cash Plus will be added to the archives, alongside the Book of FINSAC.
Some weeks ago I was at a certain place and overheard a group of women talking. All were Cash Plus investors. All confessed to having moved savings and other assets to invest with this dream scheme, enticed by 120-per cent per annum reward.
Stories are being swapped about taxis bought, houses repaired and school fees paid. It was a proud recitation of the wonders of escape, a menu of catch-up and a breather from the treadmill of the marginalised, who scramble from one paycheque to another, barely keeping ahead of the hard-time wolf snapping at their heels. It was understandable, a businessman said, why a scheme of rich rewards would be attractive?
The head of Cash Plus has acquired saintly status among "poor people". It is said that when he arrived at the Stadium for the recent resurgence of the Reggae Boyz, he was greeted with thunderous applause, accorded even greater respect than the action on the field. If it were to be proved that what he is doing does not fit into the slot marked "Appropriate", "poor people" are prepared to give him full benefit of all doubt and endow him with full canonisation.
It must be pointed out that apart from the discomfiture of the banks and the rest of the traditional financial status, no charges have been brought against the scheme or its operator. He has made statements of assurance that all is well. Public opinion continues to be on his side. If anybody is being judged it is the banks which, according to "the street", is trying to stop a "small man from doing a ting". What is dis!
HOW MANY WORDS would be enough to extol HERB MCKENLEY? The writers and the orators will try, but a simple "he was the best", sums it up. Herb not only represented the golden age of Jamaican athletics but was a symbol of hope for a generation who had little of the benefits so easily squandered nowadays.
He came on the track long before Bling and Dope. He didn't know the philosophy of winning at all costs. At the height of fame, he remained cool, humble and accessible. The designation of "icon" has been cheapened by reckless use in recent times, but today it is back where it belongs. Herb McKenley WAS an icon.
Bill Cosby, in one of his books, tells of how as a lanky youth, dreaming of athletic prowess, he inspired himself as he ran through his Philadelphia streets imagining that he was "Herb McKenley of Jamaica". Yeah, man.
RESPECT, TO THE DRAGON: This week, veteran bandsman and entertainment visionary Byron Lee said thanks to persons who represent the kind of support which helped him and his Dragonaires to become a household name in Caribbean music for half a century.
It is no secret that Byron has battled some serious rounds with the Big C. Family members say last year this time it was especially difficult. It took every ounce of strength to fight back, but, with iron will and the support of his family, the Dragon returned to the bandstand for New Year's Eve. His signature tune "It is no secret what God can do." Byron deserves every good wish showered on him and his family, too. Nuff respeck!
- gloudonb@yahoo.com