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!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Cleaning House!!!
A new year is approaches. Last year this time, I was fulfilling one of my goals which was to start a blog. And, here I am at this point writing in it. Although, I did not used it everyday like I planned, I'm still using it and that is what is important.
So it's now house-cleaning time! No, not the physical house but house in the proverbial sense ... however you define house.
I've already cleared my phone of all text messages both sent and received because I'm making way for new and positive messages. I've also started cleaning up my FB friends list because the word 'friend' is very important... to me it means someone that you hold dear, someone who means a lot to you. We have to realize that some persons are just on our FB page to 'faas' in our business.
I'm also cleaning the house of thoughts and thought process: how I process things, if its negative, it's out of here! I'm redefining what I see as issues - in other words I'm getting rid of those things which so easily 'beset' me.
My wish for my friends, is that they would do the same... make some changes (even if it means getting rid of me!). I love this time of year because its an opportunity to re-think and re-start somethings. Equally, its to evaluate and get rid of some other things.
Whatever you choose to do... make some changes - clean house!
So it's now house-cleaning time! No, not the physical house but house in the proverbial sense ... however you define house.
I've already cleared my phone of all text messages both sent and received because I'm making way for new and positive messages. I've also started cleaning up my FB friends list because the word 'friend' is very important... to me it means someone that you hold dear, someone who means a lot to you. We have to realize that some persons are just on our FB page to 'faas' in our business.
I'm also cleaning the house of thoughts and thought process: how I process things, if its negative, it's out of here! I'm redefining what I see as issues - in other words I'm getting rid of those things which so easily 'beset' me.
My wish for my friends, is that they would do the same... make some changes (even if it means getting rid of me!). I love this time of year because its an opportunity to re-think and re-start somethings. Equally, its to evaluate and get rid of some other things.
Whatever you choose to do... make some changes - clean house!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sherieta releases ‘Come Find Me’
Multitalented reggae singer and songwriter, Sherieta, has released her latest single titled ‘Come Find Me’. The song is of course written by Sherieta and is another soft-core love ballad which looks at the ever elusive love relationship which many seek to find.
The song starts with a catchy, fast-paced rhythm on which the singer shows off her deejay skills. As the song progresses, Sherieta’s knack for writing poignant lyrics is evident; the lyrics are actually poetry in song. Not only do the lines rhyme, they also tell an interesting story of a search for love, which has so far been hard to find.
This latest single is produced by accomplished local Producer, Donovan Germaine on the Penthouse Label. While this is Sherieta’s fourth released single, this is the second that is produced by Germaine. The first ‘Reggae is Life’ has enjoyed impressive airplay both in Jamaica and overseas, particularly in the UK and Africa.
Speaking specifically to the release of the single, Sherieta’s stated that the release of ‘Come Find Me’ is part of her plan to continuously release singles which speak to the many personal situations that individuals face. “My intention has always been to write and sing songs that have meaning. Songs which tug on the heart strings of my fans and Come Find Me will do just that.”
The singer has been quite busy in the studio lately, also collaborating with Gospel artiste Sherwin Gardener to release ‘Be my full stop’, another love song, which speaks to the love, commitment and trust necessary to build a relationship, hence the request for one to be the other’s ‘full stop’.
A positive individual with a strong belief that good music can change the world, Sherieta’s desire is to continue to gather a catalogue of excellently written and produced music inspired by the experiences of those around her.
The song starts with a catchy, fast-paced rhythm on which the singer shows off her deejay skills. As the song progresses, Sherieta’s knack for writing poignant lyrics is evident; the lyrics are actually poetry in song. Not only do the lines rhyme, they also tell an interesting story of a search for love, which has so far been hard to find.
This latest single is produced by accomplished local Producer, Donovan Germaine on the Penthouse Label. While this is Sherieta’s fourth released single, this is the second that is produced by Germaine. The first ‘Reggae is Life’ has enjoyed impressive airplay both in Jamaica and overseas, particularly in the UK and Africa.
Speaking specifically to the release of the single, Sherieta’s stated that the release of ‘Come Find Me’ is part of her plan to continuously release singles which speak to the many personal situations that individuals face. “My intention has always been to write and sing songs that have meaning. Songs which tug on the heart strings of my fans and Come Find Me will do just that.”
The singer has been quite busy in the studio lately, also collaborating with Gospel artiste Sherwin Gardener to release ‘Be my full stop’, another love song, which speaks to the love, commitment and trust necessary to build a relationship, hence the request for one to be the other’s ‘full stop’.
A positive individual with a strong belief that good music can change the world, Sherieta’s desire is to continue to gather a catalogue of excellently written and produced music inspired by the experiences of those around her.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Of rains, politicians and Buju
Contrary to what many believe, I have not forgotten my blog... there is just too much happening and with 'thoughts on [so many] things', you know, 'everyday stuff', the blog has just been neglected for a little while.
Nevertheless, I am still here, thinking about all the things happening and how my little contribution, albeit in words, can alleviate the situation.
So it's been raining...cats, dogs, cows and donkeys, I might add, so much so that sadly, we are mourning the loss of an entire family whose house washed completely from the gully bank. Many persons are saying they are not sorry for them because they knew not to build on the gully... I am of a completely different view... seven lives have been lost, never to be regained again, in any language, that is a humongous loss which must be mourned.
The ever-present Manatt, Phelps & Phillips Affair is still in the news...nightly! The latest is a call for a commission of inquiry into the handling of the Dudus extradition. And if that is not enough, Bruce is getting sued by the same guy (Harold Brady) who he said is no longer a member of the JLP, who said 'a lie, i'm still a member'. Then you hear 'oh he's not a member based on some technicality (apparently the guy hasn't paid his dues in a while). Then, the suit says, Brady was taking instructions on the Dudus extradition from Bruce all along, and so it continues... lawd Jeezas help wi!!! One wonders where these politicians find so much time in one day to quell so much 'cass-cass'. Anyhow as my granny would say' 'Yuh mek yuh bed, yuh lie in it... yuh cyaa plant corn and reap peas'.
I've been following the Buju trial as much as any other Buju fan. Before I get into the trial, I have to berate Buju how for a little bit. How you manage get caught in something like this man? Big, upstanding Rasta like you caught tasting Babylon's stuff? At first, I thought, they should just lock him up for being stupid. No man, at least not with Buju's brain power should ever get caught in such a situation. But alas, even if you are going to lock up a man for being stupid... isn't ten months enough? So the jury split down the middle with the verdict; couldn't the judge have declared a mistrial? One wonders if there weren't any previous similar cases on which the lawyer could call to get that mistrial?
Either way, it look to me like Buju goose cook. And nobody cannot tell me it has nothing to do with that 'Boom bye bye' song.
Anyway, Buju my love, hold the faith. It looks to me like you'll be in that Tampa prison for a looong time. In the words of our verbose Prime Minister 'hol strain'.
Lata,
Nevertheless, I am still here, thinking about all the things happening and how my little contribution, albeit in words, can alleviate the situation.
So it's been raining...cats, dogs, cows and donkeys, I might add, so much so that sadly, we are mourning the loss of an entire family whose house washed completely from the gully bank. Many persons are saying they are not sorry for them because they knew not to build on the gully... I am of a completely different view... seven lives have been lost, never to be regained again, in any language, that is a humongous loss which must be mourned.
The ever-present Manatt, Phelps & Phillips Affair is still in the news...nightly! The latest is a call for a commission of inquiry into the handling of the Dudus extradition. And if that is not enough, Bruce is getting sued by the same guy (Harold Brady) who he said is no longer a member of the JLP, who said 'a lie, i'm still a member'. Then you hear 'oh he's not a member based on some technicality (apparently the guy hasn't paid his dues in a while). Then, the suit says, Brady was taking instructions on the Dudus extradition from Bruce all along, and so it continues... lawd Jeezas help wi!!! One wonders where these politicians find so much time in one day to quell so much 'cass-cass'. Anyhow as my granny would say' 'Yuh mek yuh bed, yuh lie in it... yuh cyaa plant corn and reap peas'.
I've been following the Buju trial as much as any other Buju fan. Before I get into the trial, I have to berate Buju how for a little bit. How you manage get caught in something like this man? Big, upstanding Rasta like you caught tasting Babylon's stuff? At first, I thought, they should just lock him up for being stupid. No man, at least not with Buju's brain power should ever get caught in such a situation. But alas, even if you are going to lock up a man for being stupid... isn't ten months enough? So the jury split down the middle with the verdict; couldn't the judge have declared a mistrial? One wonders if there weren't any previous similar cases on which the lawyer could call to get that mistrial?
Either way, it look to me like Buju goose cook. And nobody cannot tell me it has nothing to do with that 'Boom bye bye' song.
Anyway, Buju my love, hold the faith. It looks to me like you'll be in that Tampa prison for a looong time. In the words of our verbose Prime Minister 'hol strain'.
Lata,
Monday, September 20, 2010
Goodbye Season 7 --- come better Season 8!
So season 7 of Digicel Rising Stars is finally over... and not a moment too soon!!! What a long, dragged-out, boring season!!! This by far has been one of the most uneventful seasons since the competition began seven years ago. It would be unfair of me to even try to blame Digicel for the lackluster performances of the contestants but Jesus man! there must be some guidelines which they are required to follow...
If I were Digicel, I would begin by restricting the number of R&B songs that each artiste can perform... this whole heap a Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys song just not cutting it (And please, don't think I have anything against these ladies, because I don't).
The next thing is the choice of songs... isn't there like an expert who helps the contestants to select songs based on their voice depth and quality???
Not one of the contestants took a risk... the most exciting performance for me came from the fourth place contestant!!! yes fourth place - Nekorah Phillips's combination with Turbulence. Not even Khago's shenanigans with Jermaine Michael had me excited. I don't even remember who Dalton performed with on that night.
This is the first year since inception that a buzz was not created around the event. In years gone by, the anticipation was so electric because everyone was keen to know who would win the competition.
This year's show is a injustice to the Rising Star Alumni who have gone before. People like Daynea Deacon, Nickesia Barnes, Chris Martin and the great, Noddy virtue made the competition come alive.
I don't know what Digicel will do next year but something's got to give. It's been said that there were much better singers who were not selected and I am certain there were but we will seriously need an injection of not only talent but creativity into next year's show.
To show how bad it was, Digicel didn't even bother to rent Mas Camp for the regular final night soiree!!! That's the one thing I admire about them, proactive not reactive!
That aside though, and in the words of Anthony Miller (judge), it was a boring, bland season!
If I were Digicel, I would begin by restricting the number of R&B songs that each artiste can perform... this whole heap a Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys song just not cutting it (And please, don't think I have anything against these ladies, because I don't).
The next thing is the choice of songs... isn't there like an expert who helps the contestants to select songs based on their voice depth and quality???
Not one of the contestants took a risk... the most exciting performance for me came from the fourth place contestant!!! yes fourth place - Nekorah Phillips's combination with Turbulence. Not even Khago's shenanigans with Jermaine Michael had me excited. I don't even remember who Dalton performed with on that night.
This is the first year since inception that a buzz was not created around the event. In years gone by, the anticipation was so electric because everyone was keen to know who would win the competition.
This year's show is a injustice to the Rising Star Alumni who have gone before. People like Daynea Deacon, Nickesia Barnes, Chris Martin and the great, Noddy virtue made the competition come alive.
I don't know what Digicel will do next year but something's got to give. It's been said that there were much better singers who were not selected and I am certain there were but we will seriously need an injection of not only talent but creativity into next year's show.
To show how bad it was, Digicel didn't even bother to rent Mas Camp for the regular final night soiree!!! That's the one thing I admire about them, proactive not reactive!
That aside though, and in the words of Anthony Miller (judge), it was a boring, bland season!
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