Put Jamaica first! Please!

I've been fighting the urge for over six months now to share my views on the constant bickering of the JLP and PNP... today, after all things considered, I am no longer fighting.
A friend of mine commented sometime ago that the JLP and PNP should be retired in the public's interest. Not only did he comment about it, he also started a group on Facebook to show how serious he was. At the writing of this entry, that group is 126 members strong! The poignant thing about this group however, is that, it's all young people. By young, I mean 20-30 odd year olds, young people who should be preparing to become standard bearers for our country.
I have always said and I maintain to this day that the biggest mistake this country made was Independence! Yes, I know I will get some flak for saying it, but when I look back at the great way in which we started and now at almost 48 years old, we hobble around like a man who made no plans in his youth, so he has no future.

In 1962, when Jamaica gained Independence, we were seen as the 'Pearl of the Caribbean'. Our Jamaican dollar was equivalent in value to the US dollar. The rest of the Caribbean, though they favoured the West Indian Federation, opted not to form same because the powerhouse, Jamaica was not part of it.
Jamaica has always been a trendsetter, and even during these current dark days, we are still world-beaters and trendsetters.

But to the issues, that have me pissed off! The saga of Dudus's extradition, the never-ending story surrounding Manatt, Phelps & Phillips (MPP) and the state of emergency. Like most Jamaicans, I sincerely believe that the JLP botched the extradition big time! If they did what needed to be done even six months ago, Jamaica would never have gone through the storm it has since experienced. The barricades, days-long gun firing between the security forces and gunmen and dead bodies galore have traumatized Jamaicans both at home and abroad.
This situation was further compounded by hiring MPP. I don't know that there is anything in the Constitution that speaks against how the situation was handled but it is messy! In a time when Jamaica continues to struggle financially, the Government found US$50,000 to discuss 'treaty issues' with an external party. Not only that, we recently learnt of an additional US$15,000 being paid again to MPP.

But its not only the financial issues, its also the fact that blatant lies were told and for a looooong time. Denials were coupled with arrogance and just outright rudeness from a number of government ministers.
I believe that it is time that Jamaicans demand respect from our 'servants'. They must be made to realize that 'is we mek dem deh which part dem deh'. Enough said about that.

Now on to the State of Emergency. A number of persons have opined that the state of emergency is simply the best thing to have happened to this country. I wholeheartedly concur! If only for a few weeks, I didn't hear about death every second and I actually thought of going out for evening entertainment :)
I know that the state of emergency cannot be in force forever but until a viable solution is found, it's worth continuing. The PNP has said that there is no emergency which is why they abstained from voting at a time when Jamaica needed them. But since the lifting of the SOE, innocent blood has once again begun to run in the country's streets. Look at the young pastor, ready to start a new chapter of his life and it was snuffed out just like that!

I have news for you Mr. Government and Mr. Opposition, we are in an emergency!!! When 5 people per day lose their lives violently in a country that is not at war, it is an emergency!
When hardworking people set-up businesses in a community and are demanded to pay protection money or else, it is an emergency!
When school grounds and hospitals are no longer safe havens for law abiding citizens, it is an emergency!

What will it take for us to realize that we must come together? The opposition continues to 'oppose, oppose, oppose' and I wonder when will they begin to really analyze situations before they oppose. I have the utmost respect for Mr. Peter Bunting... honestly I do! In fact, before his statement on Sunday, I thought of him as one of the brightest sparks in the party, apparently his bulb is not the brightest in the ever-dimming chandelier!

Government & Opposition, you all need to get your acts together because while you fight for the green and the orange, the red runs in the streets, and children and families will continue to cry for their loved one. Choose us... put Jamaica first! please!

Public Appearances!

By no stretch of the imagination am I a fashion maven. I'm so comfortable in my skin that I an happy to wear anything that feels and looks good to me, even if my onlookers don't like it. But you know the difference between me and the people I'm about to talk about, I'm not a public figure!
Now people, I have a problem with those people who constantly hawk the camera but are never yet put together for the spotlight... from bad wigs to tacky outfits, these fashion atrocities come onto the big screen, mouth filled with complaints and when you look at them... ugh!
As I speak, one prominent person comes to mind, and even though these are my thoughts, there are things called lawsuits. And since I'm broke, I'm just going to describe the situation.
I must commend this individual because she can truly say 'she nuh fraid a no bwoy, or no gyal, no day' but that damn wig has got to go!!!!! It is so unnerving to see her on TV swinging her head from side to side defending the rights of the workers with the wig kotch one side! Probably all held down to her scalp using one single pin!!!! And then there are the clothes, good God Almighty... need I say more!
People, when you're constantly making public appearances, it is a must that you have certain things in place; at least two well-tailored suits, two pairs of well-heeled shoes and a good enough relationship with your hairdresser so that she can 'trust' you a do!!!
It is ridiculous, even in a recession, as a public personality to look so off-form, what are you trying to do, bring attention to your own situation? It ain't about you, it's about the workers! And any worker's representative who intends to represent me, particularly on TV, better get their act together!

Then there are those representatives who try too damn hard!!! Appearing on TV in Versace suits and Gucci glasses will not get you any additional benefits for those workers you claim to love and cherish! Let me tell you how the people with the purse strings think; "If you can afford name brand suits and shoes, you don't need a raise."

There is this thing called balance, or creating an illusion if you will; public personalities must learn to create this illusion. If you are representing a group of persons and most of them look 'pop-down' how you going to come on TV in your most expensive Sunday best to say 'we want more money. we broke, can't the government see that?" No he can't, your crisp suit and blinging glasses is blinding him!!!!

Come on people, that's why there is a profession called 'Stylist'. You don't have to have one everyday, but hire one just to re-do your wardrobe for you but for God's sake... don't come on my TV looking like you are the worst of, or better than me!

What defines sexy?

What defines sexy?
Is sexy naked? Does sexy require you to show all and sundry every conceivable curve or flab that your body possesses? I'm wondering this particularly because lady's' nowadays especially the ones who must go to every possible party or dance believe that naked is sexy!!! It is such a disconcerting sight to see a woman in a pair of shorts which is obviously too small for her parading about for all to see her 'baddy'.
Then there is the breast/brassiere craze... most women now seem content with their breast brushing their chin because cleavage 'haffi show'. And for those who are not heartily 'blessed' they must wear push-ups which struggle to find and push excessive skin up on their chest. Now don't get me wrong, I believe in the concept of accentuating the positives but when did showing the breast and brassiere become a legitimate part of an outfit?
Sexy is supposed to be tasteful. It is a state of mind in which confidence plays a critical role. Sexy does not need or want anyone to validate it. Sexy is comfortable in the fact that not everyone will like its brand but is certain that whomever is supposed to take notice does and does so unreservedly.
When I was growing up, I was made aware of a statement which promotes the concept that 'less is more'... these women who constantly parade their nakedness need to be told.
If you show a man all he wants to see then there is nothing left to entice him with. Women must begin to understand that men think differently and if he thinks you're easy... he'll take you alright, he will take all he wants from you and then leave you.
Have some pride in yourselves ladies. We are beautiful and strong. We can be sexy but there is no accounting for nakedness. And it's not every style that will suit your body type. An outfit that looks amazing on a size 4 body may not look the same on a size 14... use your head ladies!