Greetings,
The brouhaha going on at this time in Britain, is about whether it should remain in a reformed European Union, or to leave it completely.
I am an expatriate of the United Kingdom, and try my best to keep up to speed with the changes, and happenings, in my country of birth. On hearing of this major, controversial, and much publicized issue, I have decided, bravely, to make my small contribution to the discussion.
In this interdependent, and information technological space that we live in, to go it alone, in my view, is not it. Such a move takes courage, but it is not sensible. The 'open sea' could be quite challenging. The world is very different from what it was, say 60+ years ago. The political and economic landscape then, was more conducive to consider taking that position.
To move forward, co-operation, negotiation, and sometimes compromise, is necessary for good political/economic relations, and survival. Burning bridges, believing it is possible to be an island to the exclusion of everyone else, and be free to choose preferred economic partners, is a fallacy which may lead to unforeseeable problems.
I applaud the negotiations and agreements which have taken place. It could have been otherwise.
Now there is a choice to be made in the Referendum, which is in the hands of the British people.
Moving forward, I wish Britain, and the British people, well.
Peace
Grace
Monday 18 April 2016
Monday 4 April 2016
Sometimes I wonder...
Greetings,
With all the madness going on in the world today, one part in particular is no exception, I wonder if it knows where it is going. Heinous crimes, political in-fighting, missing children, mental and physical abuse, domestic violence, battling for power where there should be a common interest, economic uncertainty, are just a few of the issues on the list. Sometimes I wonder what shift has caused some human beings to think that life has no value, we can do as we like, to hell with the rest, it's my way or no way, with no concern as to how an action or actions will affect others or citizens as a whole.
Experience is supposed to teach sound lessons, and increase knowledge.
One may think I 'live' in a goldfish bowl, far removed from reality.
So what?
Whatever happened to the art of skillful negotiation, and diplomacy, in everyday human interactions, never mind it being more or less non-existent in some politics? Negotiation has been known to save the day at zero hour. These days it seems to be about the ability to score bonus points and oust everyone else, rather than be gracious enough to come to an agreement, or compromise for the greater good.
There appears to be no direction in anything. It is okay to call somebody's bluff and hope the individual will make a fool of him/herself. To pull a fast one over the other and think of it as a big thing. The days of deeply analysing a matter, weighing up the pros and cons prior to making a decision, or anticipating what might happen when formulating policy and making provision thereby, has been swept away, and replaced by expediency. On the flip side, pulling the carpet from under the feet of one's opponent to gain an advantage is unproductive, destructive, and futile.
So what are we going to teach our children about civilized living? We can start with co-operation has never hurt anyone. We can accept criticism while learning to sift the constructive from the negative. To care for others, and to consider their feelings, should be the norm . One can lead and be, authoritative, respectful, firm, understanding, and open-minded. It takes courage, and character, to do the right thing.
Might, is not always, Right.
Right, is, Right.
If negative antics are supposed to achieve something, it is a done deal in terms of, failure.
I wonder when it is going to dawn on some folk that it is not about winner takes all, but where we all want to go, and how we all are going to get there, together. Regardless of different views and positions, for goodness sake, bring sanity, commonsense, decency, intelligence, and humanity, back into this thing called life, and politics.
I'm tired of the trauma, drama, spinning wheels, going around in circles, and returning to square one, over and over again! I just do not want to hear only, but to see, REAL, POSITIVE, CHANGE.
Peace
Grace
With all the madness going on in the world today, one part in particular is no exception, I wonder if it knows where it is going. Heinous crimes, political in-fighting, missing children, mental and physical abuse, domestic violence, battling for power where there should be a common interest, economic uncertainty, are just a few of the issues on the list. Sometimes I wonder what shift has caused some human beings to think that life has no value, we can do as we like, to hell with the rest, it's my way or no way, with no concern as to how an action or actions will affect others or citizens as a whole.
Experience is supposed to teach sound lessons, and increase knowledge.
One may think I 'live' in a goldfish bowl, far removed from reality.
So what?
Whatever happened to the art of skillful negotiation, and diplomacy, in everyday human interactions, never mind it being more or less non-existent in some politics? Negotiation has been known to save the day at zero hour. These days it seems to be about the ability to score bonus points and oust everyone else, rather than be gracious enough to come to an agreement, or compromise for the greater good.
There appears to be no direction in anything. It is okay to call somebody's bluff and hope the individual will make a fool of him/herself. To pull a fast one over the other and think of it as a big thing. The days of deeply analysing a matter, weighing up the pros and cons prior to making a decision, or anticipating what might happen when formulating policy and making provision thereby, has been swept away, and replaced by expediency. On the flip side, pulling the carpet from under the feet of one's opponent to gain an advantage is unproductive, destructive, and futile.
So what are we going to teach our children about civilized living? We can start with co-operation has never hurt anyone. We can accept criticism while learning to sift the constructive from the negative. To care for others, and to consider their feelings, should be the norm . One can lead and be, authoritative, respectful, firm, understanding, and open-minded. It takes courage, and character, to do the right thing.
Might, is not always, Right.
Right, is, Right.
If negative antics are supposed to achieve something, it is a done deal in terms of, failure.
I wonder when it is going to dawn on some folk that it is not about winner takes all, but where we all want to go, and how we all are going to get there, together. Regardless of different views and positions, for goodness sake, bring sanity, commonsense, decency, intelligence, and humanity, back into this thing called life, and politics.
I'm tired of the trauma, drama, spinning wheels, going around in circles, and returning to square one, over and over again! I just do not want to hear only, but to see, REAL, POSITIVE, CHANGE.
Peace
Grace
Wednesday 3 February 2016
Election time is here again!
Greetings,
The General Election is upon us in Jamaica.
Can you imagine?
How time flies.
Talking about flying - in great excitement, the gate was flown open, and the participants will be racing down the election course in their resplendent colours. Let there be a good sense of sportsmanship.
I wonder who will be first past the post, and why?
Those of us who will be watching, listening, and hopefully will enact our constitutional right and cast a vote in the ballot box, would appreciate the opportunity to feast our eyes on the issues, and realistic policies, which each wishes to present to the voting public.
The Manifesto. Remember this? I believe this matter has been raised in the public space.
Pretty colours, banter, humour, slick oratory, and even a debate has its place. I think it is time though, for the electorate to be better informed in terms of making a decision about the future of their country based on documented facts, policies, and solutions with practical implementation which can be discussed and decided on, rather than reliance on quick fixes, euphoria, endless talk leading nowhere, and die hard support. Maybe this would help to increase voter turn out. Maybe this would help those on the campaign trail to have a greater sense of purpose, and turn promises into concrete objectives to the satisfaction of the ever observant and sceptical Joe Public.
Do not underestimate the electorate. They have come a long way through the political maze. They are long past the feel good 'Pork Barrel Politics'. Unfortunately, some are still having great difficulty understanding this reality.
A political manifesto may not be choice reading for some folk. However, the meat of the matter from both sides, and others who are entering the race, is needed. The participants should be aware that the 'X' on the ballot sheet to take the winner past the post will hold the next Government accountable to the people of Jamaica.
Wishing Jamaica a successful, and peaceful, General Election Campaign 2016.
Peace
Grace
The General Election is upon us in Jamaica.
Can you imagine?
How time flies.
Talking about flying - in great excitement, the gate was flown open, and the participants will be racing down the election course in their resplendent colours. Let there be a good sense of sportsmanship.
I wonder who will be first past the post, and why?
Those of us who will be watching, listening, and hopefully will enact our constitutional right and cast a vote in the ballot box, would appreciate the opportunity to feast our eyes on the issues, and realistic policies, which each wishes to present to the voting public.
The Manifesto. Remember this? I believe this matter has been raised in the public space.
Pretty colours, banter, humour, slick oratory, and even a debate has its place. I think it is time though, for the electorate to be better informed in terms of making a decision about the future of their country based on documented facts, policies, and solutions with practical implementation which can be discussed and decided on, rather than reliance on quick fixes, euphoria, endless talk leading nowhere, and die hard support. Maybe this would help to increase voter turn out. Maybe this would help those on the campaign trail to have a greater sense of purpose, and turn promises into concrete objectives to the satisfaction of the ever observant and sceptical Joe Public.
Do not underestimate the electorate. They have come a long way through the political maze. They are long past the feel good 'Pork Barrel Politics'. Unfortunately, some are still having great difficulty understanding this reality.
A political manifesto may not be choice reading for some folk. However, the meat of the matter from both sides, and others who are entering the race, is needed. The participants should be aware that the 'X' on the ballot sheet to take the winner past the post will hold the next Government accountable to the people of Jamaica.
Wishing Jamaica a successful, and peaceful, General Election Campaign 2016.
Peace
Grace
Wednesday 6 May 2015
The DNA Saga
Greetings,
Finally, the much anticipated DNA Legislation has been tabled in the House of Representatives, in Jamaica.
I said in my latest tweet "What a long wait!!!!!". At the same time, it is better to wait than to make a hasty decision based on facts that are not in the interests of, and/or relevant, to a Caribbean jurisdiction, then face the consequences of that decision further down the road. However, it cannot be denied that the island of wood and water needs an effective crime reduction strategy to deal with its everlasting problem.
Although it may take some time, I hope the debate in the House will be constructive, informative, and productive.
Let us keep the faith.
Peace
Grace
Finally, the much anticipated DNA Legislation has been tabled in the House of Representatives, in Jamaica.
I said in my latest tweet "What a long wait!!!!!". At the same time, it is better to wait than to make a hasty decision based on facts that are not in the interests of, and/or relevant, to a Caribbean jurisdiction, then face the consequences of that decision further down the road. However, it cannot be denied that the island of wood and water needs an effective crime reduction strategy to deal with its everlasting problem.
Although it may take some time, I hope the debate in the House will be constructive, informative, and productive.
Let us keep the faith.
Peace
Grace
Tuesday 10 March 2015
Engagement according to the past, or in today's world?
Greetings,
I listened to a call-in programme in the Caribbean on which there was a panel discussion about the response, and accountability, of government to the people. Good, thought I, as that is what democracy is all about. However, some members of the public who called in to the programme to voice their views, gave me cause for concern.Their tone did not seem to express a genuine interest in the business of accountability by government in a democratic society, but rather that the government was not being 'subject' to their bidding. I guess some folk are experiencing difficulty in understanding what government is about, and how to engage it. Moreover, there is still the belief by some that there is still room for the colonial 'cutchey' (forgive me if my spelling of the word is incorrect.). This means, it is considered necessary to satisfy this ancient custom of subservience in order to be met with approval, even in the 21st century. What was more disturbing was the impression of a distinct air of superiority towards the powers that be underlying the stance of these callers.
Why am I going down this road?
History has a habit of repeating itself. According to my parents, this was the type of behaviour they had to contend with in their youthful days on their Caribbean island when it was a Crown Colony, and which continued after they had left it. It supported a false belief that if what is to be done, put forward, or presented, is not satisfactory to 'those who matter the most', which did not necessarily mean the people per se, then nothing will go on.
"The government is the method of management used by the state". (The Pattern of Government, Rust 1969, p.2)
Government is not in place to serve the few to the exclusion of everybody else. It is not a
'Domestic Servant', or to be manipulated by 'the chosen' to the detriment of the state. Many a conflict has taken place around the world because of these misguided notions.
I will explain part of the above by referring to history passed on to me.
I use the term 'Domestic Servant', because for some folk, the only reference they have in order to communicate with The Government, authorities of the state, and certain individuals at home and from abroad, is the condescending manner used towards the employees of the former islandwide 'Domestic Service Industry' in the days of Crown Colony, and the early days of Independence. This intrinsic behavioural attitude of 'subservience to be paid to...', is the root cause of agitation, and is an impediment to the conversation that should be taking place to bring about response, and accountability from the government, that some members of the public crave.
So, to those who still have this thinking pattern, I suggest you...
Forget it.
Bury it.
Get over it.
Accept that the former days, and the way it was, won't be coming back, EVER!
...and instead...
Add to your thinking, RESPECT (which in turn will be mutual).
Come up with something constructive, practical, and sensible, with which to engage government in the 21st century, and will be of benefit to the state.
Response and accountability by government may be forthcoming, if the level of engagement is in keeping with today's world.
Peace
Grace
I listened to a call-in programme in the Caribbean on which there was a panel discussion about the response, and accountability, of government to the people. Good, thought I, as that is what democracy is all about. However, some members of the public who called in to the programme to voice their views, gave me cause for concern.Their tone did not seem to express a genuine interest in the business of accountability by government in a democratic society, but rather that the government was not being 'subject' to their bidding. I guess some folk are experiencing difficulty in understanding what government is about, and how to engage it. Moreover, there is still the belief by some that there is still room for the colonial 'cutchey' (forgive me if my spelling of the word is incorrect.). This means, it is considered necessary to satisfy this ancient custom of subservience in order to be met with approval, even in the 21st century. What was more disturbing was the impression of a distinct air of superiority towards the powers that be underlying the stance of these callers.
Why am I going down this road?
History has a habit of repeating itself. According to my parents, this was the type of behaviour they had to contend with in their youthful days on their Caribbean island when it was a Crown Colony, and which continued after they had left it. It supported a false belief that if what is to be done, put forward, or presented, is not satisfactory to 'those who matter the most', which did not necessarily mean the people per se, then nothing will go on.
"The government is the method of management used by the state". (The Pattern of Government, Rust 1969, p.2)
Government is not in place to serve the few to the exclusion of everybody else. It is not a
'Domestic Servant', or to be manipulated by 'the chosen' to the detriment of the state. Many a conflict has taken place around the world because of these misguided notions.
I will explain part of the above by referring to history passed on to me.
I use the term 'Domestic Servant', because for some folk, the only reference they have in order to communicate with The Government, authorities of the state, and certain individuals at home and from abroad, is the condescending manner used towards the employees of the former islandwide 'Domestic Service Industry' in the days of Crown Colony, and the early days of Independence. This intrinsic behavioural attitude of 'subservience to be paid to...', is the root cause of agitation, and is an impediment to the conversation that should be taking place to bring about response, and accountability from the government, that some members of the public crave.
So, to those who still have this thinking pattern, I suggest you...
Forget it.
Bury it.
Get over it.
Accept that the former days, and the way it was, won't be coming back, EVER!
...and instead...
Add to your thinking, RESPECT (which in turn will be mutual).
Come up with something constructive, practical, and sensible, with which to engage government in the 21st century, and will be of benefit to the state.
Response and accountability by government may be forthcoming, if the level of engagement is in keeping with today's world.
Peace
Grace
CHANGE has not eluded some of us after all!
Greetings,
Interesting development.
Finally, it has dawned on some politicians that the historically infamous 'cooking exercise' of long ago (and whatever form that may take today), propaganda, hysteria, large crowd gatherings with trumpeting from the platform about issues and potential policies which have no substance, will not a future government make in the 21st century!
The realization has kicked in that one actually needs credible PLANS, and SOLUTIONS, something in the kitty to back it up, and an informed public, in order to make any kind of impact in the daily lives of the electorate.
My, my, my, it is is never too late for a shower of rain, eh?
I wonder how our friends, 'the old timers' over there in their 'Bubble Kingdom' are taking all this? After 50+ years of the same old, same old, these new fandangle ideas must be quite a shock to the system. Bless their hearts!!!
Here is a grand opportunity to break with the past. I wonder how it will turn out?
Anyhow, I say congrats to the brave who have decided to move forward, but as the old saying goes "the proof of the pudding is in the eating".
Peace
Grace
Interesting development.
Finally, it has dawned on some politicians that the historically infamous 'cooking exercise' of long ago (and whatever form that may take today), propaganda, hysteria, large crowd gatherings with trumpeting from the platform about issues and potential policies which have no substance, will not a future government make in the 21st century!
The realization has kicked in that one actually needs credible PLANS, and SOLUTIONS, something in the kitty to back it up, and an informed public, in order to make any kind of impact in the daily lives of the electorate.
My, my, my, it is is never too late for a shower of rain, eh?
I wonder how our friends, 'the old timers' over there in their 'Bubble Kingdom' are taking all this? After 50+ years of the same old, same old, these new fandangle ideas must be quite a shock to the system. Bless their hearts!!!
Here is a grand opportunity to break with the past. I wonder how it will turn out?
Anyhow, I say congrats to the brave who have decided to move forward, but as the old saying goes "the proof of the pudding is in the eating".
Peace
Grace
Monday 2 March 2015
Defending Human Rights: the approach is the key
Greetings,
This post is not directed at any human rights group, organization, or persons who have an interest in human rights. It is not intended to criticize or promote any case. It is about what type of approach, I believe, should be given consideration before defending citizens who have experienced injustice by the State.
The rights of citizens do not exist in a vacuum. Their rights exist within a political, judicial, social, educational, cultural, and economic context. To advocate for, and defend human rights, it is important that it is dealt with objectively, that there is a thorough knowledge of the workings of government, its language, how to communicate with it, and awareness of the possible implications that may arise, if the correct approach is not taken. Diplomacy and tact, is one approach, which should be carefully thought out, prior to dealing with issues on human rights. The interests of the complainant, and all other parties concerned, should not be jeopardized by disrespect, lack of decorum, subjective perspectives, and self-interest.
Choosing the correct approach should be the fundamental principle when defending the rights of the citizen, defending the rights of the citizen within the rule of law, and to encourage public support. An area of particular importance, is the involvement of external organizations when they are invited to support a case, and/or to present findings, in whatever the human rights case may be. That task becomes difficult for them when the original presentation of the case to a government was in an atmosphere of hostility, and contention. No case can achieve the desired result when the approach is inappropriate and negative.
This is not suggesting that the rights of the citizen should not be defended as one thinks fit. On the contrary, one is entitled to their opinion on how to proceed with a matter. However, it is the approach, its implementation, and the effect of it, which is a contributory factor to the outcome.
If human rights is to defend the rights of the people, let the people be the focus, and the approach taken be in their interest. This is more productive than blurring the issues, creating a tussle to score political points, irrelevant posturing, and useless manoeuvring.
Peace
Grace
This post is not directed at any human rights group, organization, or persons who have an interest in human rights. It is not intended to criticize or promote any case. It is about what type of approach, I believe, should be given consideration before defending citizens who have experienced injustice by the State.
The rights of citizens do not exist in a vacuum. Their rights exist within a political, judicial, social, educational, cultural, and economic context. To advocate for, and defend human rights, it is important that it is dealt with objectively, that there is a thorough knowledge of the workings of government, its language, how to communicate with it, and awareness of the possible implications that may arise, if the correct approach is not taken. Diplomacy and tact, is one approach, which should be carefully thought out, prior to dealing with issues on human rights. The interests of the complainant, and all other parties concerned, should not be jeopardized by disrespect, lack of decorum, subjective perspectives, and self-interest.
Choosing the correct approach should be the fundamental principle when defending the rights of the citizen, defending the rights of the citizen within the rule of law, and to encourage public support. An area of particular importance, is the involvement of external organizations when they are invited to support a case, and/or to present findings, in whatever the human rights case may be. That task becomes difficult for them when the original presentation of the case to a government was in an atmosphere of hostility, and contention. No case can achieve the desired result when the approach is inappropriate and negative.
This is not suggesting that the rights of the citizen should not be defended as one thinks fit. On the contrary, one is entitled to their opinion on how to proceed with a matter. However, it is the approach, its implementation, and the effect of it, which is a contributory factor to the outcome.
If human rights is to defend the rights of the people, let the people be the focus, and the approach taken be in their interest. This is more productive than blurring the issues, creating a tussle to score political points, irrelevant posturing, and useless manoeuvring.
Peace
Grace
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