OF ELECTIONS, WINNING AND LOSING & JAMAICAN UNITY

So the silly season is over and the Peoples National Party has prevailed.
The bawling and despondence on the labourite's faces were evident... my concern at the end of the day however is, 'has Jamaica won'?

Now that the election is over, the overarching responsibility of the newly elected government is to provide the framework for growth and success not just for their individual constituents and followers but for those of the opposition party as well. The new Prime Minister and her government must as a matter of urgency begin to address those pressing issues which face us as a nation.

If nothing, this past election has proved that Jamaicans are maturing electorally. No longer can any party claim to have 'safe seats'. MPs must work for their keep. Responsibility and accountability is key. At the same time however, I agree with some electoral historians who say that a separate vote must be done for the Prime Minister, this thing of the party with the most seats ruling is archaic at best.

The following are my thoughts on Election 2011:

THE AD CAMPAIGN

The 2011 advertising campaign in my opinion faded in comparison to the 2007 campaign. I find it hard to believe that the comrades could not find more dirt on the Labourites, after all, they made some serious blunders i.e. the Manatt Dudus affair, the blunder with the police and teachers regarding salary negotiations, Bobby Montague tracing off the nurse at that council meeting and last but not least, Bruce Golding fleeing in a cloud of suspicion!

I found that the comrade's ad campaign suffered from execution. The one ad I thought would have nailed the JLP would have been 'One minute of Labour' instead all we got was 15 seconds! Talk about being shortchanged! There was just so that could have been placed in that one minute: the PNP berates the JLP daily about 'Who paid Manatt?’ the multi-million dollar Christiana Road and yet, none of that was mentioned. It seemed as if they were only interested in coming up with an idea, producing it as fast as possible and getting it on air.

Notwithstanding, the PNP campaign picked up in the last week or so, the production of that fast-paced jingle 'Vote out the Green Man' was a plus. Jamaicans love to gyrate and so that production would have been a winner from the start. Another problem I had overall with the PNP was that they complained too much. When you are in competition, people will step on your corn, once the comment is not libelous, relax and take your blows. All they should have done in those cases was to counteract and do so strongly and pointedly.

On to the JLP's campaign... that hit a good note from the start, all the children in my community knew 'Vote for Labour' word for word. Once you can get a child's attention, his parent will either listen or tell him to shut up. A fundamental problem for me though was those ads which attacked the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller. We know Mrs. Simpson-Miller's shortcomings, they were fully ventilated in the 2007 campaign (think, ‘We found money! lol) and so I didn't think it wasn't important to highlight those again. Admittedly however, the ads were funny, especially the one where the papers blew off the lectern.

The second criticism of the JLP campaign was the constant promotion of Andrew Holness. I know he is new and so people needed a chance to get to know him but I thought that it would have been good to interject a Christopher Tufton in there somewhere because he did a great job in Agriculture so much so that he was voted the Gleaner's Man of the Year some time ago. I also thought that with the youth factor they should have done an ad with a Collin Virgo, Kamina Johnson & Warren Newby just to highlight the influence of the youth.

Nevertheless, I thought they ran a tight campaign. It is obvious that professionals were used in the production and execution of their ads.

THE DEBATES
I for one think the name should be changed from debates to something else... maybe a ‘discussion’ as there was no debating.

A quick (unscientific poll) of the debates would suggest that the Youth debate was by far the most 'fiery'. One thing I took away from the youth encounter is that political tribalism is still alive. To borrow a phrase from the Hon. PSM, these young people were willing to 'fight to the death' in defending their individual parties whether what they are saying was true or not. I thought that if there was a Best speaker prize it would have naturally gone to the PNP's Lisa Hanna. She was by far the most articulate, composed and confident; her years as a presenter on ‘Rappin’ were very advantageous.

From the JLP side, I would have given that title to Warren Newby. To be honest, when I heard he would be part of the debate team, I was very concerned for the JLP because I have never found Warren to be articulate or knowledgeable (after all I've seen him buck, buck through some interviews before) but Warren came out with all guns blazing. He was knowledgeable, confident and vociferous... i'm proud of you Newby; you proved that you are no ‘newbie’.

My biggest disappointment from the youth debates would definitely be Marlene Malahoo-Forte, she appeared too sensitive for politics. On the other hand, if there was a rude award, it would have gone to Raymond Pryce. I found his comments disrespectful, rude and rooted in gutter politics. I hope he realizes that Jamaica is changing and the majority of Jamaicans are willing to talk it out and not fight it out. As far as Dayton Campbell goes, I honestly cannot recall anything he said and Dr. Longmore, while she made some points, her inexperience was evident for all to see.

Debate #2 between Audley Shaw and Dr. Peter Phillips addressed far more issues, however as I said before the format took away from both men making their points. Importantly, I must say I was pleased with 'Man a Yaad's' performance. He had a good grasp of the portfolio and it showed that although successfully running the gas station eluded him, he was well on board with what the economy needed in order to succeed. Equally Dr. Peter Phillips in such a short time showed a good grasp of the issues; he showed that he does have what it takes to run the Ministry. The challenge however remains with the format... the opening and closing comments as well as the one question to each other were the only parts that showed any sign of a debate.

Debate #3 was billed as the big one, there were expected to be fireworks and in the words of someone from Facebook, Andrew Holness was expected to annihilate Portia Simpson-Miller. Needless to say that was not to be. It turned out to be the most boring debate of the season. PM Holness as expected was articulate, pointed and confident; however much to the surprise of many Portia Simpson-Miller held her own and held it properly. There were no winners or losers but God was it boring!

POLLSTERS

Pollsters and polling is a feature of elections. However, like many of my friends and even persons that I don’t know, we’ve never been polled. I don’t know, maybe we just hanging with the wrong crowd.
This election featured three pollsters, Professor Boxill, Don Anderson and Bill Johnson. Man, were they put through the ringer… especially Don Anderson, when he called it for the PNP everybody and their parent’s hit out against him… guess he was right!

THE BUGGERY ISSUE

Following on from Debate #3 the biggest issue that arose was the review of the buggery law. In response to the question posed by Journalist Deon Jackson-Miller 'Would you allow gays in your cabinet?' PM Holness played it safe and said (not verbatim) 'my leaning would be whatever the Jamaican people say'. A number of persons have complained that this is not an answer, but in the context of the Jamaican situation, it is the safest answer that he could have given. The same question was posed to PSM, instead of stopping at 'yes and I will not go into anyone's bedroom' she went on to talk about a review of the buggery law. Now there is where the big debate has been since Dec. 20... I have noted that a lot of politicians tend to overspeak. Particularly on an issue such as this PSM should just have answered the question that she was asked. Had she not gone overboard, we would not have had this furore.

While we are becoming more liberal, Jamaica is still a Christian country at no other time does this Christian principle show more than when the issue of homosexuality arises. Personally, I don’t believe that it is a conversation that we as a people are seriously ready to have.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Although there were little issues here and there, I believe that we have had the most peaceful election campaign (to date). I witnessed camaraderie between supporters like I’ve never seen before; I witnessed an incumbent Prime Minister pray for the nation and brilliance in thinking and planning from both sides of the fence. I’m proud of my Jamaican family for the peace that has held so far and my prayer is that it continues. As I questioned in the preamble, I only hope that Jamaica has truly won this time round!

My World Championships Review

Last week was a great week for me because track and field is my thing! I love the adrenaline, drive and determination associated with reaching the finish line. So I was up before the birds every morning, struggled to keep awake through the day but bright eyed and bushy-tailed again, for the night sessions... talk about priorities! lol!

I must admit though that it started a bit slowly for Jamaica but I'm a die-heart when it comes to track; so win, lose or draw, JAMAICA ALL THE WAY and I stuck with them. I had to; they were, are and will always be my team :)

Here are my highlights of the weeks unfolding:

USAIN'S 'JOOK'-START
The false-start (or jook-start as I like to call it) of Usain Bolt in the 100m Men's final has been talked about and analyzed to death! Like most Jamaicans and by extension Bolt-fans; I was disappointed with the false-start. To be perfectly honest I thought of it when they went into the blocks but dared not utter the words for fear it would become reality! I guess thoughts do become reality for no sooner had I thought it did it happen. The sheer anguish that was written over Bolt's face and posture said it all, 'I messed up, big time'. But what struck me most in the analysis following this mess up was the reaction of my fellow Jamaicans.... people actually thought Usain and Yohan came to some agreement so that Yohan would win. In other words Usain agreed to give Yohan a 'bligh' by embarrassing himself on the world's biggest stage!!! That is by far the biggest load of crock I've ever heard.. all I could say was wow! Are people really that dense????


Y0HAN'S GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE
Yohan Blake must be feeling really proud of himself today. He's how old again? Youngest man to ever win the 100m Men and a 4x100 gold medal to boot with an extra US$20,000 for being part of the record breaking team... wow! What a championships!!!
I am happy that Yohan took the 100m in Bolt's absence, I would have been worst disappointed if a certain WD representing you-know-where had won!!! The unfortunate thing however is that Yohan will forever live in the shadow of 'it's-because-Bolt-false-started-why-you-won'. He however went on to prove his mettle in the 4x100... the announcers commented that it was his blistering leg of the race that cause such a topple of teams... talk about earth shattering!

MELAINE'S HEART
Just before the start of the World Championship, I learnt of Melaine's injuries and uncertainty at the games. I learnt that there were points at which she could not even train, so imagine when Melaine takes the track and brings home a silver medal for Jamaica. For me this was just one of the most fulfilling moments of the Games, it showed heart, determination, drive and a zeal to win... i hope that her injuries will soon be healed and that she will return to defend her Olympic title in London 2012.

WELCOME JERMAINE
Jermaine Gonzales has been "labouring in the field" for some time now. I remember when he came on the scene at the same time with Usain at that World Junior Champs which was held in Kingston, Jamaica. I am not disappointed in Jermaine's placement in the 400m Men, in fact, I'm encouraged and I am looking forward to seeing him on the podium in London 2012. Good job Jermaine.

JETER, FELIX, PEARSON
In the midst of what was another great Jamaican performance, I also have to highlight the performances of Carmelita Jeter (USA), Allison Felix (USA) and Sally Pearson (Australia). Contrary to how many Jamaicans may feel, I like Jeter, she's a fighter and her win in the 100m women was the icing on the cake for what had been consistently good performances throughout her season. Unlike for Jeter, I'm not a big fan of Allison Felix, not because she doesn't have drive but because I don't follow her event much but that girl ran with HEART... 5 medals: 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze... hopefully she's happy cuz I hear she's a hard girl to please. Finally, Sally Pearson (formerly McLelland) - what a run in the 100m sprint hurdles... sheesh! She has been in top shape all season - she looks like someone who has done her homework and studied her competitors. Even though the event was lacking some of the bigger names like Lolo Jones (USA) and Priscilla Lope-Schleep (Canada), Sally's gold medal and world leading times were well worth watching.

THE INVINCIBLE VCB
No good analysis can been written and not mention Veronica Campbell-Brown a.k.a VCB! Currently, she is Jamaica's most accomplished female athlete. One gold and two silvers, in her own words '... these championships have been good for me". And, Ms. VCB, they've been good for me too!

FIREWORKS
The 4x100 men's relay was poised to be great. All the powerhouses made it to finals: Jamaica, USA, Great Britain and Trinidad & Tobago. I was certain there would the fireworks but none like what was experienced yesterday... the commentator's comment about Jamaica's 'flying-like' bolt through the race threw everyone off including the mighty USA - that's the part I was saddest about because I wanted my team to "whip dem right".. that sadness was however short lived as I watched what for me what was a flawless race and Usain Bolt blazing across the finish line. The time sealed it for me 37.04 seconds!!!! What would have happened if my sweetie pie, Asafa Powell was there yesterday... sheesh!

THE BEST EVER
My number one moment at the World Championships was surprisingly not in any of the medals that Jamaica took... not even the 4x100 World Record. My most 'favourite-st' moment was the close of the ceremony and the last anthem to be played was 'Eternal Father, bless our land'... wow!!!!! Jamaica set the world alight again!!!!

SPECIAL MENTIONS:
Kim Collins (St. Kitts & Nevis): He had a great championship: 2 bronze medals
Kirani James (Grenada): What a race!!! First gold, first medal ever for Grenada
Kelly Baptiste (T&T): Great bronze in the 100m
Richard Thompson (T&T): I don't know what happened with Richard this time around, it seemed he wasn't even there... I need to hear from you next year Richard :D

All in all, it was great: I enjoyed it.
I miss the World Championships sooo bad :(

STC

PUMA 'FAAS' RUNNING SHOES - COMMERCIAL CRITIQUE

So my foray in the advertising critique world begins. Before I go off though, I must say, this something I've always wanted to do. I love the excitement and creativity that embodies advertisements and making them.

You may be wondering what qualifies me as an ad critic... well I have been exposed to what an excellent ad is supposed to look and feel like. From a professional perspective however, I have extensive experience in the Public Relations Industry. Public Relations with its all encompassing nature exposes its personnel to elements of Publicity, Promotions, Public Affairs and by extension Marketing and of course, Advertising. I therefore believe that I can speak with some level of authority on the subject matter...

COMMERCIAL NAME: PUMA FAAS RUNNING SHOES
This ad started airing recently on local television, I guess in support of the fact that the World Championships is now on. It is essentially promoting the PUMA's new line of 'Faas' Running Shoes. With this ad, PUMA touches things that are inherently Jamaican, music and running. This is something that no one, living or dead, can dispute. Jamaica is the home of Bob Marley, Shaggy, The Wailers and of course, Merlene Ottey, Donald Quarrie, Veronica Campbell-Brown and their (PUMA's) biggest brand, Usain Bolt.

What struck me about this commercial first was the talent... Nomaddz! These guys have been together as a group since school days but each is an artiste in his own right. All together they have a fantastically distinct sound!!!! Their signature sound "pu cu pu cucucu pu pu cucucu pu pu cucu" at the start of the commercial is memorable and definitely grabs attention. If you think about it, I bet you've hummed the tune before... lol!


Copy/script: There isn't much talking in the commercial however, the leader's continuous prompt for the band to 'shut it' meaning pick up the pace while singing and playing instruments places emphasis on the main concept of the ad... to prove how fast the running shoes really are and how immensely talented the band is to run with instruments being played and singing simultanenously... hence, the title 'THE WORLD'S FASTEST BAND'. Watch out for them... Nomaddz's stocks are about to increase!!!!

Talent: PUMA is visionary organization. There are no 'wagonists' there. They do not wait until the talent is well-recognized; they invest in ensuring that they do. PUMA's selection of Nomaddz for this advertisement is a testament not only to their talent but to the fact that PUMA operates on vision. PUMA cannot lose with a group that is as driven and determined as Nomaddz, they have lots of ground to cover in the music industry and the launch of their recent live album 'The Trod' proves this. The interjection of the world's fastest man, the one and only Usain St. Leo Bolt is also a plus. Bolt is a winner!

CONCEPT: A+ - great story line, it sums up both PUMA's and the Jamaican athlete's experience. Something all Jamaicans can identify with.

TALENT: A+ - The Nomaddz are a talented bunch of guys. To run and sing "pu cu pu cucucu pu pu cucucu pu pu cucu" is no easy feat. The sound is flawless. And, as I said before the inclusion of Usain Bolt (PUMA's #1 marketing icon) is a plus in any advertisement.

RATING: A+ - This commercial is a true reflection of Jamaica. It showcases all that is Jamaica from the lush countrysides to our natural talents abilities. The use of authentic Jamaican music and musicians to provide a true sense of what is is to be Jamaican.

STC

No one knoweth ... but the Father alone

St. Matthew 24:36 & 42 - But of that day and hour no one knoweth, no not the Angels of heaven, but the Father alone. Watch ye, therefore, because you know not at what hour your Lord will come.

I will never ever claim to be a biblical scholar or prophet. In fact, I read my bible just about as often as it rains... and as this is Jamaica, unless there is a cold front, trough or some other weather situation, you know it hardly ever rains. Who I am though is a strong believer in God, miracles and everything else that comes along with that belief. I believe that for us to exist in this world, there has to be an unseen hand somewhere guiding, keeping and protecting us daily.

My faith may not be the strongest but the great thing about my God is that He doesn't require strong faith, He requires faith only the size of a mustard seed and He can work with that. His grace has continually kept me. His mercies towards me are new everyday. He provides me with all I need and so much more. For me, God is my comforter, way-maker, bridge over troubled water, more than life to me.

This is why it irks me so much when ordinary people take up onto themselves the responsibility of trying to predict and preempt God. I recognize that there are many among us who are 'called of God' and therefore hold a special place in God's confidence. But not even to them would He reveal His plans --- He said "... no one knoweth, no, not the Angels, but the Father alone." How therefore is so many able to predict via 'clues and hints' the movements of the Father?

My friends, this is why you must know God for yourselves. Know His word and know the 'clues' of deception. The scripture says "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." What does this mean? It means do not be deceived. God cannot go back on His word! I'm certain you've often heard the saying that God cannot lie. If He said, '... No one knows the day or the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh', how can He now go and reveal it to someone, date, time and all? He would then be proven to be a liar!!! and GOD CANNOT LIE - IT'S NOT IN HIS NATURE!!!

The important lesson to learn now is that the coming of the Lord is imminent. It can happen any day, any time and in any circumstance. The signs are every where: "nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" just as He said. Earthquakes in divers (varying) places, wars and rumors of wars just as He said. He called these things "... the beginning of sorrows."

Friends, seeing that we are at "the beginning of sorrows" - let us not miss this important lesson -- give your heart and your life to God today. Serve Him in spirit and in truth. Love your neighbors as yourself and do good to all.

The 'New' Downtown Transportation system

I've deliberately refrained from commenting on the 'new' Downtown bus system but one can hold out so long and no more. Let me categorically state before I go into 'cuss' mode that I am not against change, in fact, I'm an advocate for change. I love development and improvements and nothing would make me happier than to see Jamaica move from developing status to a fully developed nation.

Having said all of that, I strongly believe that the people who recommended the 'new' changes have never taken a bus in all their life! I say this because some of the foolishness that I see in this 'new' transportation system just piss me off!!!

Although I was worried about the day the changes took effect, I decided to view the system with an open mind and judge it solely on its merits. I would listen to nothing (whether negative or positive) that was said by anyone about the system. All of what I would say or feel about the 'new' system would be based on my experience. And man, what an experience it's been so far!!!

On the first morning that I went Downtown after the big launch, I noted that the JUTC buses no longer stopped in the bus park on Pechon Street but instead journeyed to Parade. Great!!! no more long walking, I thought, 'this is nice'!
Then the confusion and discombobulation began...... I walked around to where I usually board the taxi that plies the Downtown to Cross Roads route (via South Camp road) only to be greeted by a bevy of big-bodied women in grey and white. They were 'guarded' by men wearing blue with vests, cannisters and holsters. As if those weren't intimidating enough, they pointed rifles seemingly at no-one but their faces dared you to 'try sumpin noh'.

I braved all of that and asked one of the grey and white clad women, where the taxis were which went to Cross Roads. She informed me that there were no such taxis and that I should proceed to North Parade to board the bus that plies on that route... my friends, I told her as I am now telling you, I have been working on Camp Road for over three years and I have never seen a JUTC bus on that route!

The problem with the grey and white lady's response as is with JUTC is communication. The lady's response was curt and stopped short of being 'short' with me. I cannot understand for the life of me where they find these people to interface with the commuting public. It's like they search for the worst of the worst and just thrown them into the position!

JUTC's communication problem is not just a system problem, it seems as if it is system-wide (that's for another convo). But you are having such drastic changes, and its on the first and busiest morning of the changes that you put in place a 'town crier' system to bark the new instructions to people! There was no personalized touch. JUTC also has a further problem called 'follow-through'... you cannot remove taxis from the street and do not replace them with buses... how are people suppose to find their way around? I concur that persons must use legal means of transportation but this 'chaka chaka' way of doing business will keep Jamaica forever in a developing nation status.

We all want change and betterment for our country but communication must be one of the tools that we use for this betterment... step up JUTC and do better man!

Downtown Kingston = colour!

I am by no means well travelled. In fact, in total I have been to about four countries in my lifetime. Notwithstanding, I believe that there is no where in the world as colourful as Jamaica and in particular Downtown Kingston. When I speak of colour, I speak not merely of the bright yellows, reds, pinks and blues that are sported both in hair color and attire but just the diversity of the locale.

Wondering what I am talking about? Well, allow me to take you on a journey…
Its 8:00 am on a regular weekday morning, the bus pulls into the bus park and you are greeted with a myriad of sounds and scents… a bus conductor bellows ‘Garvey Drive, Portmore’. Meanwhile, the music of Vybz Kartel blares from a nearby sound system. Yes! Although it’s 8 am, sound systems do play, and rather loudly at that time of the morning. The scents are usually a mix of weed; breakfast items being prepared, overnight garbage and yes, yucky armpits!

Looking around, you’ll notice vendors unpacking their goods for the day. Walk a few more steps and you hear sounds of another kind… a church service is underway! A young man articulates the unknown tongue while others join in lusty singing and worshipping… this is but a few metres from where Vybz Kartel encourages some poor, unsuspecting girl to ‘set good like the ice inna freeza’ . Take a few more steps and two men are fighting… no one knows why but one thing is certain, the younger one is receiving a healthy beating from his opponent!

Turn the corner and head up Beckford Street…. ‘Dem Pants Yah’ one young man shouts. ‘A dem pants yah a dweet… $500 a one’. Walk a few steps more and an even more animated vendor draws a crowd around his cart. He not only sells his merchandise, he models them too… a bra stuffed with newspaper is over his t-shirt and a frilly underwear is sported over his jeans. Where else in the world can you find such colorful personalities?

Of course, the colour also extends to the language and look of the people… Downtown people have the Bounti Killa look, locked. Whether they are expressing themselves to each other or just expressing themselves generally, they must come off as cross, angry and extremely miserable. Not to mention the language… there is always a twist on words. Nothing is really what it means when you’re Downtown. Statements must be punctuated with ‘yaad-like’ affirmations. I would suggest that you ‘get wid it’ if you intend to go Downtown and have a conversation with anyone… just so that you don’t get into any trouble… lol!

Then there is the constant ‘race’ between the vendors and the police, who the vendors happen to call ‘di bwoy dem’ or ‘blue bag’. Watching the daily ‘run up and down’ between the police and the vendors is a trip. I maintain that I could not survive in a job where I am constantly running with my goods. I’m amazed though at how quickly these vendors move with tons of goods slung over their backs. Guess they’ve had lots of practice!

Love it or not, Downtown Kingston is a lively place and its lively in its look, feel and scents. This is part of my daily journey that I cannot see myself ever giving up.
Peace!

Be optimistic ... it's a new year!

Last night, I had the pleasure and awe of viewing the very last newscast for 2010... pleasure because many persons, both known and unknown to me, could not have shared that opportunity with me as they are no longer here. And awe because of the response to the poll question asked during the news. It asked 'Are you optimistic about the new year 2011?', 54% of respondents said 'yes'. Personally speaking, I am sorry for the 46% that voted 'no'.

Let us look at the meaning of the word 'optimistic'... according to www.dictionary.com, it means 'disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.' The response, if it could be taken at any scientific value means that almost half of the population is pessimistic about 2011!!!

Call me unrealistic, fuzzy-eyed, over-enthusiastic or whatever, I am an optimist just for the heck of it! I believe that once I am still alive, I have an opportunity to make a wrong situation right, fix a broken relationship or finish a project... I think life is the ultimate gift and no, I am not making light of anyone's situation, I'm just saying that once you are still here, there is an opportunity to change some things.

I am certain you've heard the saying 'if you do what you have always done, you'll get what you have always got'. Maybe you require a radical change in your situation... it therefore means that you need to change what you always do and your results may be different! If you're in debt, maybe it means living within your means!

All I am saying, don't be pessimistic about a situation that you have not yet encountered. It's like Marcus Garvey said, 'If you have no confidence [in self], you are twice defeated in the race of life.' Consider 2011 as the 'race of life' and if you enter it without confidence, you will be defeated. If you don't believe in the system, it's okay, believe in your skills and abilities and draw strength and hope from your true friends, your families and your God and you will find all you need to succeed.

A happy, prosperous and joyous 2010 to you!