WICB disses the Jamaican Prime Minister !

The WICB is rude and grossly disrespectful in their response to  Portia Simpson-Miller , who rightly sought to defend the rights of Chris Gayle in his long standing dsipute with the WICB.

The Jamaican people should stand firmly behind the Prime Minister given the crude and uncouth behaviour of those at the helm of the WICB!

The entire board has brought West Indies cricket from the pinnacle of the sports to the gutters and seem set to take it even lower, if given the chance. The board needs to be given the boot and a new one elected as they have done absolutely nothing to move the West Indies cricket team foward, they have instead  been an abject failure in every sense of the word.

They are a disgrace when compared to the performance of the rest of the cricketing nations, its no wonder WI cricket cannot get any better.

OCG questions security company changes at the NSWMA, possible PNP link?

The OCG has opened an investigation into the proposed changes in the security arrangements at the NSWMA and is trying to determine if the changes has anything to do with a possible PNP link.

It has been uncovered that one of the principals at the firm being looked at, to begin providing security appears to be a former PNP candidate or possible relative of a former PNP candidate and has sought a response from the NSWMA.  The deadline for answers to the OCG questions ends today, however at the time of the post, there was no indication that any such response has been furnished.

The corruption is government seems set to continue, given what we are seeing in this case.

4 Consecutive qtrs of growth inherited by the PNP

The BOJ expects a fifth qtr of growth for this qtr.

All this suggest that the country was on the path to recovery when there was a change in administration, despite the many pronouncement to the contrary.

If Phillip Paulwell is successful and get electricity cost down to US$0.18 – $0.20,  Jamaica could be at a turning point in its 50 yr history.

QUESTIONS ON JEEP, CAN IT REALLY WORK?

Repost: First published Jan 12, 2012

The Prime Minister made an election promise of using the Jamaica Emergency Employment Program (JEEP) to provide temporary relief to the thousands who lost their jobs under the former administration. The JEEP has been criticized in many quarters as a throw back to the 1970′s and will not work. It has been called CRASH program, Bullo wuk and is said to be simple redistribution of money amongst members of the public.

Whether we like it or not JEEP seems set to drive, as we understand that the administration led by the Right Honourable Portia Simpson -Miller has already made contact with the Chinese representative in Jamaica with a view of making some changes to the contract. We further understand that a delegation may be headed to China soon for a meeting to solidify these discussions.

Reading from the PNP manifesto JEEP will get be funded from the JDIP funds, which were originally earmarked for infrastructural development programs.

They have indicated that the funds will be used to provide employment of persons to clean gullies, side of roads verges etc, no development work which you can look back 5 yrs from now and say, that came out of the JEEP.

The government no doubt is concerned about the high unemployment rate and this is their method to alleviate the suffering of Jamaican at this point in time.

How will the Jeep really work? I have a number of questions that I would like to ask the driver of the JEEP, Dr Omar Davis

1. Under which agency will JEEP fall ?
2. How will it be administered i.e. will be island wide with various administrator in various parishes?
3. Will it fall under the purview of the various MP’s in the various constituency and if so how, will it be in a manner similar to the CDF?
4. How will the various projects to fall under the program  be determined?
5. What are the priority projects to be addressed and how do we determine priory i.e. what factors determine if a project make the list or not?
6. How are the contracts to be handled? Will we have one big contractor or contractors with responsibility for the overall execution of the various project and then sub contracts are issued to the various sub contractors, then to the regular work men and women.
7. Will these contracts be put to tender?
8. Will these contracts come under the NCC?
9. If no to 6, how do we determine who is eligible to get employment contracts under JEEP?
10. Will it be first come, first serve system?
11. If based on needs, are we going to conduct a needs analysis to determine who really are in bad shape financially and should get work.
12. If we are going to proceed with a need analysis, who will administrate this process?
13. Would it be one, two, or three persons required  to complete this process in each of the 63 constituency?
14. To whom will these persons report?
15. How do we ensure transparency and objectivity in the needs analysis process?
16. The needs are varying and plenty, so having done the needs analysis, what process will be used to ensure the list is made up of the most needy and ensure all gets a piece of the pie.
17. If we have multiple projects in one constituency,division, area, what process will be put in place to ensure equity and no one person “ hog the show”?
18. How will the work to be done be valued i.e. how do we determine fair price for the job to be done?
19. What performance criteria will be put in place to determine if the job is done properly?
20. What body or  entity will evaluate the work to determine if it’s done to original design specifications?
21. Will this be an existing government body or entity, if not how much will be set aside to pay an external group to complete this process?
22. . How will payment be made i.e. what documents will be used to determine payment. If multi contractors are used then I would expect invoice to be  submitted, theses would be review and then payments made. The money would then be used to pay smaller subcontractors and then the regular employee.
23. If no large contract then the question still remains, i.e. how will payments be made?
24. Will JEEP have its own accounting setup for payment of invoice etc or will we use the system in the body that has oversight for the JEEP. Eg if JEEP falls under NWA then I would assume that JEEP would use whatever accounting system the NWA uses to pay it contracts

As you can see from the many questions that I have asked, if we want to ensure accountability, transparency and not a whiff of corruption in this program, certain systems and checks and balances must be in place.

In addition, the entire program could require the following  set of individual, who all have to be paid.

a)     Individuals to determine the various projects.

b)     Individuals to determine estimates of work to be done.

c)      Assessors to complete needs analysis, to determine suitability of workers  for this program.

d)     Analysts to determine who gets jobs vs who does not  based on selected criteria.

e)     Possible contractors and sub contractors.

f)       Accounting unit to receive invoices and make payments.

g)     The actual workers.

When you review, what I consider the type of system and administration that is required to execute such a program, which is most likely to be island wide, I see employment opportunities for many persons. The problem with all that is, it comes at a heavy price and those would are likely to benefit the least are those that needs it the most, i.e. the actual worker on the ground.

Startlingly Letter said to obtained from the US Foreign Relations Committee

Minister of Finance
The Hon. Peter Phillips
Kingston, Jamaica

Dear Mr. Minister,

I saw with some shock the proposed appointment of Mr. Easton Douglas as Executive Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). Perhaps this is just a joke being played by the media as Mr. Douglas in a previous PNP Cabinet was asked to step down under difficult circumstances.

Most Jamaicans including those in the Diaspora would have welcomed the appointment of Professor David Rowe as the Chairman and Executive Director of the UDC. Of note, Professor Rowe has had a long distinguished career in the field of Law, serving as a Senior Partner in the largest Law firm in the State of Florida before becoming a full Professor of Law at the prestigious University of Miami Law School.

Professor Rowe’s intellect,credibility and influence with the Obama administration are well known. To this end, Professor Rowe has served frequently as an advisor to the US State Department and the
US Justice Department, and is frequently recognized as an expert witness on Jamaican issues by Federal judges.

Previous Jamaican administrations have contracted freely with Christopher Coke of the Shower Posse, using the UDC as a cloak. Thus it is imperative for Jamaica to appoint public servants of a caliber such as Professor Rowe to begin the process of removing the influence of the Shower Posse from the nations economic life.

If we as a party are truly serious about turning around our economy and to be able to attract international investors, it is imperative that we begin to appoint distinguished members of the Diaspora who are
internationally respected to assist with the process of economic
recovery.

In many ways members of the Diaspora believe that Professor Rowe was a key figure who was responsible for the victory we enjoyed at the recent polls, due to his unrelenting pursuit for justice and an unwavering desire to reveal the truth behind the Manatt Phelps scandal of the Labor party.

Based on our profound desire to see our country moving forward, failure of the party to appoint Professor Rowe as the UDC Chairman will unfortunately result in the disassociation of the Orlando segment of the Jamaican Diaspora from future party events.

As always, I remain fully committed to our country’s development and to the success of the People’s National Party. My position on this matter however was taken based on a matter of principle.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any comments.

Respectfully,

Christopher Walker, MD, FACOG, FICS

cc. Senator John Kerry: Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Mr. Steve Wynn :Chairman of Wynn Resorts
Mr.Hamish Dodds: Chairman of Hard Rock Hotels
Mr. Harris Rosen : Chairman of Rosen Hotels
Hon. Dr. Wickham McNeil: Minister of Tourism
Hon. Senator Sandra Falconer: Minister of Information
Hon. Mark Golding: Minister of Justice
Hon. Peter Bunting: Minister of National Security

Thanks to the blogger who provided this letter.

 

Flashback !

So flashback on who is Dr Christopher Walker. This guy in no lightweight, it was his letter which brought about the downfall of Olint and lead to Christopher Coke being indicted.

See letter which ultimately lead to the fall of Coke and Bruce.

Senate_Foreign_Rel_Comm-5.20.09 (1)

Noel Arscott says Desmond McKenzie is a liar !

Desmond Mckenzie had said seven managers where fired  from the NSWMA when the PNP came into the power, however Noel Arscott is suggesting that only five managers were dismissed and it was not for political reasons.

Mr Mckenzie has also charged that it was because of these dismissals, why it took the government so long to bring the fire under control. He went on to add that  the fire was being attacked using the wrong methods and success was only seen, when officials made contact with former head of the NSWMA , Joan Gordon-Webley.

In addition Mr Mckenzie charged that the government went to as far as St Ann to contract heavy duty equipment to be used to fight the fire vs using equipment that was already in Kingston and on standby for that purpose. We are being told this was done to ensure that PNP linked contractors could get to “eat a food”, but this could not be true, could it?

So we effectively have a row  between the government and the opposition over GARBAGE

All this while residents are turning up at the public health facilities in droves complaining about health issues,  as a result of the pollutants that were emitted from the recent fire.

Gov’t Suspends Clean-Up Programme

I guess the money is needed to jump start the JEEP.

The Government has suspended an $80 million drain cleaning and sidewalk rehabilitation programme in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, which was instituted by the previous administration last August

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=35361

 

Danville Walker quits representational politics

He is to return to the private sector, just like I had written a few months ago.

 

http://commonsenseja.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/danville-walker-the-biggest-loser-of-them-all/

 

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=35362

JPS to drop electricity rate by 40% by 2014 !

JPS is looking to build a 360MW combined cycle plant costing just about US$600M ( J$52B) and should take approx 27 months to completed. The project if given the green light will commence this yr and end in the latter stages of 2012.

The project is hinged on the GOJ finding a reliable source of LNG, which will be the main fuel for this plant, with #3 fuel ( diesel) as a back up. For those who have no idea what a combined cycle plant it here is a bit of information.

A combined cycle plant is one of the most efficient plant that one can operate and can have an operational efficiency as high as 80%. A combined cycle burns fuel (LNG) in a combustor to produce electricity, the waste heat from the exhaust system is then used to produce steam , which is then use to drive a steam turbine, to produce even more electricity.

The burning of the fuel is not very efficient~ 24-31%, but the steam produced by the waste “heat”, which is the by-product of combustion , is used to drive a steam turbine , which produces  thermal efficiency of 50%, for  a total system efficiency 74-81%.

JPS therefore seems to be heading in the right direction, however nothing will materialize without LNG.

Phillip Paulwell certainly seemed to light a fire under JPS and Jamaicans needs to stand fully behind this minister, who seems very purposeful and is certainly taking steps in the right direction to bring JPS to book on high energy cost.

 

 

Cost to cover riverton dump to double?i

The daily newspaper today reported that the cost to cover the dump is set to double this year. The JLP government failed to find the funding for the $32 m required to cover the dump last yr, which would have prevented the fire which occurred last week.

Today its being reported that the cost will double, which means the cost will be in the order of $64m vs the $32m, which was projected figured for last year. Now I would like someone to tell me, how could the cost to do the same job, double in just one year!

I cannot work out any mathematical equation that could give me that 100% increase in the cost, given the stability in exchange rate and low inflation rate for last year.

Was the cost double to facilitate JEEP ie using manual labour vs the heavy equipment, that was being initially being proposed ?

Why don’t Jamaicans ask these questions of our leaders?

 

 

Will Andrew Holness be the shortest ever serving Prime Minister ?

If Andrew Holness does what is expected and call early elections, say by mid December 2011 and loses, that would make him the Prime Minister who would have served the shortest term in Jamaica’s history would’nt it?

The upcoming polls to be release next week end will show the JLP has closed the gap even further , but will the selection of Andrew as PM cause the JLP to surge ahead of the PNP.

If that momentum continues , Andrew could be the youngest PM to have been elected by Jamaica, however if the PNP is still ahead it could mean , he could become the PM who served for only two months.

Either way history will be created.

Joe Issa accused of money laundering activities.

USA citizen Don Rowe in August 2011 filed a lawsuit in a Florida court  against a number of persons including Joe Issa of Cool Corp who he has accused of money laundering activities for David Smith’s Olint corporation.

See court documents below.

Dowe_v_Issa_2_USA

 

US Marshals Swamped By Crime Activity In Jamaica

THE UNITED States Marshal Service, which has operations in Jamaica and Haiti, has been kept busy in Jamaica over the past few months heightening efforts to apprehend persons involved in violent crimes, weapons and narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities.

 

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111028/lead/lead92.html

S&P mulls downgrade for Jamaica ?

This could not come at a worst time for the ruling JLP.  This is a developing story so stay tuned

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20111031-715899.html

 

OCG Launches investigation into scrap metal trade ban violation !!

The OCG has launched an investigation into the export of 97 containers despite the fact that a trade ban was in place.

 

OCG Investigation

 

 

Corruption in Jamaica, a foreigner perspective

Recently I was in a conversation with  a friend of mine, who happens to be a non national and resides overseas but have strong links to Jamaica.

During the conversation he asked me “ Jay , why do you think the government is so corrupt”?

I said “well, its starts with a corrupt leader who choose to defend a drug lord over the rule of law and order, which is something I have never seen in this country before. In addition they have been in opposition for so long that they are willing to take as much as they can and give back to those that helped them win the elections”.

He smiled then asked “ So why was the PNP so corrupt, look at the number of scandals that occurred in their 18yrs reign, not only that after the collapse of the financial sector many act of corruption took place in terms of who was allowed to fail and who was saved. How do you explain that”.

I said “ brethren , the two parties have their own levels of corruption, they both steal and cheat the people of this country, however what occurred under the JLP with the Dudus extradition thing, was the worst thing that I have ever seen”.

He said “ You have it all wrong Jay, when will educated people like yourself stop blaming politicians for the ills of Jamaica. When will you all take shared responsibility for the level of corruption that exist in the country”?.

I was taken aback by his comments so I said  “explain to me where you are headed”.

He asked “  Have you ever paid a policeman to avoid getting a ticket, have you ever hid stuff from customs to avoid paying duties, have you ever paid the garbage man a little thing at Christmas”?

Jay, you don’t have to answer but if you are honest, I am sure your answer will be yes to at least two of those questions, and that shows you are just a guilty of corrupt acts as those politicians that you and other berate. Is the politician to be blamed for your acts ?

The point he was trying to make is while a payment to the garbage man at the end of the year may seem like a goodwill gesture, it can and will lead to you being given some special favours vs those who choose not to give any, and thus I was facilitating corruption.

He went further to suggest that Jamaicans creativity as most us call it, is for the most  part criminal in nature, as we are always looking for ways to “beat the system”.

My friend did not mince words, he was very frank and said  “personally I would like to see things improve in Jamaica, the people have talent no doubt about that, but far too many have a criminal mind”.

He said after 50 yrs corruption in Jamaica seems to be getting worse, not better and whichever party is in the situation does not change, the only thing that change is the type of corrupt act.

He said , “Jay the real reason why Jamica is so corrupt is not simply the politicians , but its because a significant portion of the population is corrupt, the benefit from corruption and so facilitate corrupt acts. They either save or make money and only complain about corruption if they do not benefit from the corrupt act”.

You want to prove me wrong,  If every member of parliament , government minister, members on the senate etc were to resign tomorrow and they were all replace by young qualified persons, in two years we will be having the same discussion.

• People in the public sector accept jobs they are not qualified for, that is corruption.
• When you under invoice your purchase to pay less duties, that is corruption.
• When uou hide stuff to escape detection by customs , that is corruption.
• You accept payments outside of what you are paid to do you job, that is corruption.
• When you decide that your child should not go to the school he or she passed for so you got your friend to get he/she into a good school, that is corruption.
• When you get accept a government contracts even though you do not have the requisite skills to do the job, that is corruption.

Greg Christie try as he may will fail miserably as the people are way too gone and so the entire system itself is contaminated and corrupt.

Corruption for the most part has nothing to do with politics, instead it’s the inability of many to uphold what is right and be ethical in their everyday lives.

Its not easy to do the correct thing, as sometimes it will take long for things to get done, but the shortcut only facilitates and encourage more corruption.

Jamaica will change when the majority of Jamaicans soundly reject corruption as a way of life, even when it means your pocket will be hurting, can you all do that.

So the million $ question that I leave with you is when will you all reject corruption acts regardless of who does it and what systems should be in place to punish those involve in or seek to have other participate in corrupt activities.

Sadly my friend is correct for the most part, I will not seek to make the excuse that corruption exist everywhere, the fact is, here in Jamaica we lose far too much to corruption to continue down this crooked path.

X-6 Murder case update .

It has just been reported that gunshot residue in trace levels was found at the back of the right hand of Mais, the teenager who was murdered by Patrick Powell. This announcement was made by Patrick Atkinson, who is the lawyer of Patrick Powell, but what is the significance of this evidence. Mr Atkinson seems to think this is a significant development, but frankly I cannot see how this can be a stunning development.

1. How did Mais get gunshot residue on the back of his right hand?
2. What is the significance of the new development ?
3. Is this a scheme being developed to let Patrick Powell off the hook?

I find it strange for the pathologist to conduct a swab of the murdered victim and its the very first time we have heard of any such findings and hence are very suspicious of this release by a lawyer seeking to get his client out on bail.

We await the outcome of this case.

What if the PNP win the next election?

1. Will the PNP be force to let go 10,000 workers as being demanded by the IMF?
2. The PNP say they will renegotiate the IMF deal, but will the IMF be open to any renegotiation?
3. JEEP, how will it be funded ie where will the money come from?
4. Will they deal with the JPS and move to end the monopoly?
5. What is the PNP take on low interest rates?
6. The PNP said they did not agree with the JDX, will they make any changes?
7. Crime, what new strategies if any will they use reduce crimes further?
8. What the plan for growth?
9. Will the PNP go through with the divestment of CAP as demanded by IMF?
10.  Should the GOJ run out of money, what plans does the PNP have to ensure Jamaica does not do into another recession?
11. What is the truth about the IMF deal, will we learn more about the tough decisions being demanded by the IMF from the PNP?
12. What about the progressive agenda, will be have a full plan being placed on the table?
13. What is the plan for leadership transition  in the PNP, will Portia go the full term of pass the baton to Peter Phillips?

These are a few questions I would like to hear being asked in the upcoming debate.

Breaking News ! Trouble in the JLP Camp!

DR St Aubyn Bartlett has reportedly resigned from the JLP as the JLP stop brass moves to have him replaced in the East St Andrew division. Does this indicate  cracks in the ruling JLP ?

JLP now ahead by 2.5% but we have a statistically dead heat poll !

While the JLP are now leading in the recent RJR/BOXILL polls, the lead  essentially put both parties at a statistically dead heat.  This lead while showing a big comeback for the JLP does not leave with them enough of a gap to assure an electoral victory.

The battle is now on all the way to the finish line and a December election now does not seem to be such a certainty. We now await the Gleaner/Johnson poll to see what shows up.

Is the JLP divided or just more demanding?

Over the last few days JLP supporters have been demanding the removal of some of their MP’s and in some cases their Caretakers and Councillors in various communities across the country.

Is it that the JLP supporters are simply divided or is it that they are looking for improved performance from their elected officials?

 

Portia Simpson Miller constituency

This was carried a couple years ago by TJV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z-F_L696b4

Are Jamaicans that cheap and dumb?

We hear of the JLP candidate in many communities handing out “bully” beef( cornbeef), rice, flour sugar and other food items to try and “buy” votes from the people.

We hear Danville Walker planned to donate 1 car and 2bike to the cops in Mandeville in an attempt to buy vote and influence the outcome of the next election !

Do we really believe that Jamaicans would be  willing to give up their votes for bag of food which will last them only a few days. Do we really believe that the cops in Mandeville will offer protection the JLP supporters vs the PNP supporters  because they got two bikes and a car?

Mark you the attempt to donate the vehicles was wrong as a political candidate ought not to been involved in such  gesture, but to suggest that it was designed to get votes is really pushing the idiotic bar and trampling on the intelligence of the force and by extension the people.

So the the question is are Jamaicans really that cheap and/or dumb ?

Professor David Rowe blast’s the JLP !!

Professor David Rowe who has been a thorn in the back of the JLP has come out once again swinging at the JLP and their links to the shower posse. In this latest writing he has once again hinted at extradition request for at least one politician from the ruling party .

See his latest comments in the link below.

The_Selection_of_the_Cabinet

Organized crime in Jamaica , a historical perspective !

Though this research paper is dated back to 2005,  it gives an insight into the link that existed and continues to exist between criminal enterprize in Jamaica and our political system.

Its 85 pages long but makes for interesting reading,  click on the link below.

 

Organized_crime-Chap1-SEMINAR-paper1

PNP Attorney’s squares off with Justice Campbell in the supreme court!

The bad behavior of Patrick Atkinson and KD Knight continued where they left off from Manatt spilled over into the supreme court in the Trafigura case which started yesterday.

KD Knight, we were told scolded the Senior deputy DPP as being an unreasonable person and accused the judge of acting strangely in this case. The behaviour of the two attorneys we are told we so bad , that the judge had to adjorn the court to allow tempers to cool off.

Is KD Knight getting ahead of himself, does be believe that because he became “starboy” in the Manatt case, he can carry this behaviour into the supreme court.

This case is should have been a none issues but now KD and the legal team is turning this into a show piece which could be damaging to the party. Can some speak to KD as this is absolutely the wrong time to be coming across as being disrespectful  to the courts and the people of Jamaica.

Auditor General Report on JDIP + Mike Henry’s response

Here is the report, can you imagine NWA spending $100m ON THEIR OFFICES !!

The PNP has been saying for months that there were problems with the JDIP program and the governing party accused the PNP of playing politics. From the AG special report one can see a high level of mismanagement of the JDIP funds, with improper expenditure and payments made for jobs that cannot be verified.

Its been 24hrs since the report was tabled in parliament and yet the minister with responsibility has largely remained silent.

JDIP_Special_Audit_Report

Update: @ 7:10pm

Mike Henry has request information from his Permanent Secretary and will provide a full statement tomorrow, but what will Mike tell us. The entire process reeks of corruption.

Mike Henry statement

After reviewing reports submitted to him earlier today by the National Works Agency (NWA) through the ministry’s permanent secretary, along with the report from the Auditor General’s Department about JDIP, which was raised in Parliament yesterday, Transport and Works Minister, Mike Henry, has ordered a further examination of the matter by the Permanent Secretary.

This is while committing to furnish the Auditor General’s Department with the requisite details and clarifications to allay concerns which were raised about the JDIP, including the interim report from the Permanent Secretary, which will be made public tomorrow.

However, the minister noted that some of the details which the report cited as being outstanding were in fact supplied by the NWA, and also that there were instances of apparent misinterpretation of facts by the Auditor General’s Department.

He noted that among the information which were submitted to the Auditor General’s Department but were not reflected in the report from the department were:

• The list of works conducted as emergencies by the NWA prior to the JDIP
• Details on the competence of the NWA’s assessors
• The schedule of bridge parts that were provided as owner supply contribution to the Rio Grande Bridge project.
• The quality assurance plan for the Christiana Development project

In relation to the refurbishing of the NWA’s head office, which was planned to be done under the institutional strengthening component of the JDIP to improve the agency’s capacity to adequately support the programme, Minister Henry said had the matter come to his attention when it was under consideration, he would not have approved the expenditure, based on the financial constraints now facing the country.

He said the CEO of the NWA had accepted responsibility for “having not handled the matter with enough clarity to prevent the confusion that has now emerged.”

Henry said the refurbishing of the NWA’s head office included correcting major sanitary and roofing defects on the building, as well as allowing for the return to use of some areas which had long been out of operation because of physical decay of the structure, which saw the abandonment of large sections of the building, dating back to the previous administration.

Among the areas of concern which the minister has instructed the permanent secretary to further examine are:

• The value of completed JDIP projects to date, including projects which were prompted by the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav in August 2008.
• Sub-contracting and the terms of engagement with the JDIP in this regard.
• The incorporation of bridge material which were obtained under the Mabey and Johnson bridge programme into the construction of the Rio Grande Bridge.

“The permanent secretary has been instructed to promptly seek full and satisfactory clarification of all the issues which were raised in the report from the Auditor General’s Department, for submission to that department by next Monday,” Henry said.

He said with the matter being first raised in Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, the clarifications would likewise be directed to the committee, and any further clarification by him will be given in Parliament itself.

Additionally, Henry said a Cabinet note would be prepared by the ministry for update and consideration at that level.

 

Patrick Wong to resign from NWA ?

Will Patrick  be the fall guy given the damning report from the Auditor General on the JDIP program and will Andrew remove the JDIP program from Mike Henry.?

Should trafigura trial be done in public or private?

NWA trashes Auditor General’s report !

1. NWA says there was money set aside for refurbishing its office.
2. NWA say AG did not understand engineering report and those will be resent
3. NWA says all requested documents where delivered to AG office.
4. NWA  the AG asked for clarification on some issues and where supposed to have come back to the office, however the officers from the AG’s office was overruled by their boss.

This is indeed making for an interesting case as once again we see the justification for seemingly incompetence and or corruption.

Litany of waste in the public sector by public administrators under JLP & PNP

Reading the Auditor General’s report makes you say ” where have I heard that before“. Lets take a quick look at previous large projects by the government of Jamaica and the AG description of his /her  findings.

AG REPORT 2001/2002

NORTHERN COASTAL HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT(SEGMENT 1)

The Government of Jamaica, with financial support from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is developing the infrastructure along the country’s northern coastline. Under this initiative, the captioned Project aims to improve approximately 268 kilometres of the coastal road – from Negril to Port Antonio via Montego Bay. Segment 1 of the Northern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (NCHIP) extends eastwards 71.2 kilometres from Negril roundabout to Bogue (Just outside Montego Bay). The audit of the Project disclosed considerable time overrun as the contract should have been completed by September 1999 but was still incomplete at 6th September, 2002. Cost overrun was also substantial as the original contract price was for $974M. However, $2.572B has been spent on this segment to date, an overrun of $1.597B or 164%. The major reason for the cost overrun was said to be the low tender price by the original contractor whose contract was terminated, and by the subsequent sub-contractors which were being used to complete the Project.

AG REPORT 2003

URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

AG comments on the UDC

Breach of Contract Guidelines
A contract for the reconstruction of the Mondo track at the National Stadium valued at $49.8M was fragmented into 13 separate contracts each under four $4M thereby circumventing the requirement for the award to be done on the recommendation of the National Contracts Commission Sector Committee and approval by Cabinet.
(ii) Inadequate Selection Process
There was no evidence that a competitive tendering process was employed in the selection of four contractors for works valued at $61.2M, as stipulated by Government’s procurement procedures. Recommendation was made that there should be future compliance to ensure that the process is fair and transparent and that the best prices are obtained.

The Gleaner (2003)

IF IT isn’t corruption, it is negligence – a shocking litany of waste, extravagance and maladministration, the latest lament being the proposal by the Ministry of Health to write off $300 million of hospital accounts receivable as uncollectible.

This comes on top of the $350 million yet to be accounted for in Operation Pride, the evidentiary files of which have mysteriously disappeared

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030307/cleisure/cleisure1.html

The observer

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Kent Pantry yesterday declined to say what direction he has given to the police over claims of corruption on Operation PRIDE projects, but there were suggestions last night that Pantry has recommended that the construction firm, Danwill Ltd, be charged with fraud involving more than $340 million.

The Angus commission found overruns on projects of about $1 billion and concluded that Blythe was an interventionist minister who ran Operation PRIDE as a “brotherhood” with a close crowd.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/50181_DPP-rules-on-NHDC-scandal

AG SPECIAL REPORT ON  JDIP 2011

7. We found that poor planning of the Christiana Development Road Project resulted in frequent changes in the design alignment and undue delays in implementation. For example, the MTW had to submit two separate submissions to Cabinet, on November 10, 2010 and February 11, 2011, for the acquisition of 14 and 12 parcels of land respectively to facilitate the implementation of the project. Further, the MTW, in a letter dated January 11, 2011, asked the NWA to explain ‘why some parcels of land that are in the middle of the new road were not a part of the original 14.”
8. Contrary to Cabinet’s instruction, we found that the RMF used JDIP funds to acquire lands for JDIP projects instead of the Government’s 2011-12 budgets. We observed that the NWA, in two letters dated May 3, and July 4, 2011, informed CHEC to arrange payments, as a matter of urgency, to four landowners for the sum of JA$8.2M. The aggregate appraised value for lands required for the road construction amounts to JA$78.9M.
9. NWA did not provide supporting documents, including the competency of the assessor, to allow for the authentication of the payment of JA$8M for crops purportedly damaged during the construction of the Christiana Development Road.
10. We found that the RMF was unable to identify works amounting to JA$23.2M, which the NWA certified as being satisfactorily completed

Why is it so difficult to have a government funded project executed without cost overrun , corruption and maladministration. Why is it so difficult for Jamaicans to just get the job done without robbing from the rest of Jamaicans leaving us with huge bills and no value for money.

We just need to change the year and the party, the results are exactly the same year after year, just pick any AG report and you see the very same set of findings and recommendations year after year.

As a people we must come to the realization that we have a serious problem when it comes unto accountability, ethical behaviour and honesty which is killing the country.

How long will this continue?

I think it will continue for years to come  or until we decide that we are a major part of the problem plaguing Jamaica and decide to end our corrupt ways.

Latest Bill Johnson poll gives Holness a 8%point lead over Portia

In the latest Bill Johnson/Gleaner poll, the momentum has swung in the way of Andrew Holness as the best person the lead the country at this point in time. The latest Bill Johnson/Gleaner poll which was conducted November 5-6 and Nov 12, 2011.

The survey conducted by pollster, Bill Johnson, also has Andrew Holness leading Portia Simpson Miller by eight percentage points, as the person Jamaicans believe would do a better job of leading the government at this time. 

Holness enjoys 43 per cent support, while Simpson Miller’s support stands at 35 per cent.

 

I wrote a piece a few months back entitled ” Portia blunder will put her into retirement” and now we are beginning to sense that is about to occur as the tide has shifted in the direction of the ruling party.

http://wp.me/pvIkx-gB

Andrew Holness on Bloomberg TV -Nov 17, 2011

See the five minute interview here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_87sdDWRF3I

Portia Simpson will not debate one and one with Andrew Holness!

Why is the PNP trying to hide party leader PSM from the public in a one on one debate in full view of the public, this is very disturbing indeed.

Can you imagine person trying to gain leadership position and refusing to debate one on one with her opposite number? This is robbing the public of a chance to see how the leaders compare on issues of governance, the economy , crime and leadership.

 

Is the PNP trying to protect Portia Simpson Miller and if  so why?

Mike Henry stripped of JDIP, it goes to OPM

PM Andrew Holness when faced with his first real challenge as acted decisively and has removed the JDIP program from Mike Henry and placed it in the Office of the Prime Minister.

This move came as a result of the latest Auditor General report with painted a picture of gross mismanagement and reckless behaviour on the part of the NWA and by extention the minister.

This move was hammered out in that emergency meeting which was held last night.

So what about Patrick Wong, well he is on his way out based on what we have heard, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Portia the victim of bad advise, deliberate or not?

We are of the opinion that the massive slip in the fortunes of PSM  vs the leader of the JLP is as a result of bad advise being given to her by senior party officials. Portia had a massive lead over Bruce  and enjoyed big lead over Holness even after Bruce had resigned, but a series of questionable moves by the party has left us befuddled.

1. They started attacking Walker over the scrap metal issue and even proceeded to question his tenor as Director of elections, which has left a lot of persons questioning the actions of the PNP in regard to the latter.
2. They jumped at the Caymanas Track limited asking for forensic audit after it was revealed that the CEO was entering politics on behalf of the JLP, they said she  should resign, she did, end of that one.
3. Joan Gorden Webley resigned on Friday, so its the end of that one also.
4. Peter Bunting said the GOJ  could run out of money by January 2011 and public sectors workers may not be able to get payment due to them by the end of this year. He later recanted saying he was in some “back bush” when he made that statement and he was simply postulating as he had no evidence to support that statement.
5. Anthony Hylton days later issued a public statement saying the USA FDA had banned the export of some food processors based on issues  found by the inspectors during their audits. The USA embassy in Kingston denied this was the case and Anthony later claimed he misunderstood the situation and withdrew his comments.
6. Portia Simpson Miller then warned investors who are interested in the divestment of Jamaican assets to be very very careful as a future PNP government will not honour these agreements if they(PNP) are elected.
7. Starboy  and Patrick Atkinson is fighting tooth and nail to keep Trafigura out of eyes of the public, by trying to have the hearings en camera(in private). These were the same two guys who played a star role in the manatt corruption inquiry which was held live “on camera” even streaming live on the internet.  What about transparency, is this not the hallmark of good governance,we are left baffled.
8. PNP does not want a one on one debate between the President of the PNP and the leader designate ( soon to be leader) of the JLP in the upcoming debate. This is a format that has been tried and proven and gives Jamaicans the chance to hear their two leaders battle it out in a test of wits. Instead the PNP wants their party president to get help in a “school challenge quiz” type debate, but Jamaicans will none of it, they want the old format.
9. The damming Auditor General report on JDIP was recently released  and the PNP asked that the PM Andrew Holness act decisively in removing JDIP from Mike and booting Patrick Wong from NWA. Andrew has acted and both has now occurred effectively deflating the PNP once again.

The advisers and strategist  who are now calling the shots would never have gotten away with this if former party leader and Prime Minister PJ  Patterson was at the helm of the PNP.

We are therefore left baffled by the moves of the party as we draw closeer to the finish line, as on one hand they are demanding openess and rightly so from the JLP, while at the same time trying to be secretive on almost every PNP plans or issues related to the party eg Trafigura.

Under PJ Patterson, the PNP would have never been outmaneuvered  by the JLP, it simply would not have occurred. PJ Patterson himself  has questioned the action of the PNP and has reportedly told the party to ” tell the people of Jamaica what are your plans if you(the PNP) are elected” ,  however I am not sure if they are listening. PJ has NEVER lost an election and has the formula for winning and so speak from a position of authority how to win an election.

Why has the party not gone on the offensive and explain to the people and provide full details on JEEP and the Progressive Agenda. These are the plans that the PNP believe will take Jamaica out of the  precarious financial position we are in today as well as assist with job creation.

Why instead has the PNP chosen to focus on issues that are not sustainable in the public domain in this fast paced and changing news environment?

Is there a deliberate strategy to set up PSM  resulting in a second successive loss at the polls  and moving her into retirement thus making way for Peter Bunting and Peter Phillips?

What do you think?

 

PSM declines interview with influential financial network TV, is it true ?

Is it true the PNP President was recently invited for an interview with a major and influential financail network TV and declined the offer ?

Can the campaign director of the PNP Dr Peter Phillips confirm or deny that this occurred.

I am prepared to withdraw this thread if this report is incorrect.

Will Andrew Holness fly the gate today ?

Despite what both newspapers are suggesting, I understand that Andrew will not announce the date for elections at today’s party conference. Instead he will make that announcement towards the end of this week at a JLP rally.

My understanding is that the damning Auditor General report has hurt Andrew deeply and has influenced his decision not to make the announcement today, this decision I  am told ,was made at that emergency  meeting that was held on Friday night. He wants to do damage control and gauge public opinion during the course of this week.

 

Secret deals between PPP and China Harbour in Guyana ?

Taken from Kaietuer News (Online in Guyana)

Interestingly the Guyanese found out about the deal between China Harbour and the Guyanese government from our local newspaper. No competitive bidding, seems like they used the Jamaican blue print in Guyana.

 

The corrupt and barefaced PPP has cut yet another secret deal with another foreign company without telling the public and even its own PPP supporters. We had the deal with the Indian businessman to whom the PPP gave a five percent slice of our forests for an insult of a payment without telling us a thing.
This airport deal has a lot of money involved, which is probably why the PPP cabal did not plan on telling anyone. The deal is with a company called China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). A Chinese bank, China Exim, is putting up US $138 million, equivalent to Guyana $27.6 billion.
No one knows how much the Guyanese people will have to contribute because the PPP hid this deal from the public. How could a government make a deal for $27.6 billion dollars and not say a single word to the people of this country?

 

http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2011/11/20/ppp%E2%80%99s-secret-deal-with-chinese-is-clear-evidence-of-corruption-and-disrespect/

USA vs Koko in China Harbour bribery allegations, did the same thing occur in Jamaica ?

See court documents filed in the USA district court of Columbia  as USA goes after the assets of the son of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Arafat Rahman  also known as “Koko”.

The question on everyone’s lips now is, were there any bribes involved in the awarding of that US$400M contract to China Harbour, we are looking and if documents are found, rest assured they will be made public right here.

Was the awarding of the contract congruent on the fact that US$1.2M of the sum (US$400M) if the contract was awarded to CHEC could be used to refurbish the office of the NWA?

If the above is true, is this not a bribe as it was done to influence the outcome of the awarding of the contract?

If the above in fact true  wouldn’t the minister of Transport and Works be aware ?

We await the findings of the OCG who I am told will be conducting his own investigations.

Siemens_Forfeiture_Action

 

How did Andrew do in his first speech?

I think it was an uninspiring speech which left the crowd who were expecting a announcement of a date very disappointed.

Greg Christie & OCG says party’s should debate corruption

Greg is not letting these guys off the hook, see his most recent press release below.

media230

New York Daily News says Andrew Holness is completely different.

Taken from the New York Daily

Holness is “something completely different” — a positive and realistic business-minded people-person, and that’s quite unusual. He spoke last Thursday at the gathering, of business executives, diplomats and VIPs, presented by the Positive Jamaica Foundation.

Reiterating some of the themes addressed in his inauguration speech last month, Holness called for Jamaica to “take a more assertive approach to managing” its sizable international debt and urged an end to the nation’s divisive “garrison politics” — which keep his Jamaica Labor Party and the opposition People’s National Party at odds and denies citizens access to facilities and institutions in rival areas.

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/jamaica-prime-minister-andrew-holness-completely-article-1.979842

GCT removal from electricity will not help the poor !

PSM in giving her usual populist speech, indicated that if her party should form the next government, she would remove gct from electricity in a move designed to help the poor and manufacturers

The facts however is the poor see no benefit from this move which is sheer vote catching gimmick.

Facts.

1. 74% of JPS customer today use less than 200KWH and so pay  no GCT
2. The rich stands to benefit and not the poor, making this move useless as a means to help the poor.

Lets use simple example with figures for simplicity.

Assumption

• No tier structure ie ave cost of electricity is fixed regardless of usage.
• Fixed average cost of electricity of J$40 per kwh( energy + fuel/ipp and FE charges)
• Ignore customer charges.

	Poor	Rich	Ave Cost per Kwh
Monthly Usage	200	500	$40.00
Subtotal	$8,000.00	$20,000.00
GCT	$               -	$2,100.00	on 300 kwh
Total	$8,000.00	$   22,600.00
Net benefit	$               -	$2,100.00

  As  can be the figures above, the government loses $2,100 and the consumer this was designed to assist will get no net benefit.

I would instead suggest the following to help the poor and near poor.

1. Move the maximum consumption before GCT is applied to 300Kwh ( we could have approx 80-85% now paying no GCT)
2. Increase the tax free threshold to $650,000     ie  at this rate of below you pay no tax.

As a people we need to carefully analyze statements made on the political platform with a view of really identifying if there any real benefits to be derived from the measures being crafted to “help the poor”.

How about the burden for business ?

The fact are many businesses in Jamaica have found very creative means to beat the tax net to the detriment of the country. Not only do they pay very little taxes, they actually benefit from many waivers thus lowering their payments to the coffers even further.

One would probably suggest that a removal in this tax would enable manufactures to produce at lower cost and as such would be able to pass on these lower cost to the consumers. My experience has taught me otherwise, as in most cases the benefits does not get passed unto the consumer and instead goes straight to the bottom line of the companies and the very consumer it was designed to help gets nothing !

I say put money straight into the pocket of the working glass, not give to to someone to then give to me as that usually does not occur.

Finally how would they close the gap seeing that we are unable to collect enough taxes to pay out bills !

That is my position.

Mike Henry on his way out ?

Mike is about to be challenged by Bobby Montague for the Chairmanship position of the  JLP.  So having been stripped of JDIP is this the beginning of the dwindling of the powers of Mike Henry in the ruling party.

There is more to come, but lets leave that part out for a later date.

No interview, no job , Portia wants the job without the interview !

That is the popular sentiment on the streets.  If Portia and the PNP refuses to do the one and one leadership debate, how can she expected to be given the job as PM for Jamaica .I recall Peter Phillps in the leadeship race with Portia calling out for a debate, see the clip here.

Can you imagine applying for a job, send your resume and then telling the prospective employer that you are not prepared to have any sort of interview or the if you do you must have support?

That is exactly what we are seeing here and Jamaicans have rightly rejected it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oybWXbr-Hmo

Skip to 0.44 s on the link above .

Video of Leadership debate Bruce Vs Portia 2007 !

The issue is not about who is a better debater or who wins the debate. Winning the debate does not mean one will perform better than the person who did not do as well in the debate, as can be seen in the case of Bruce Golding. The debate however will give us a chance to hear both leader articulate their positions on many issues and as I say,  it’s an interview for persons seeking the top job in Jamaica.

See the Bruce vs Portia interview of 2007  at the link below.

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/PrimeTimeNews.aspx/Videos/13061

 

Plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago -Breaking News

Just getting word that the police in T&T have discovered a plot the assassinate  the PM of Trinidad and Tobago and three of her top cabinet ministers, stay tuned for more.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/High_Alert-134438523.html

 

Watch live Trinidad new at this link

http://www.tv6tnt.tv/TV6_Brightcove/default2.html

 

Deranged driver attempts to run Portia Simpson Miller off the road !

We heard this occurred last night while she was on her way from a public meeting in St Mary/Portland . The driver apparently missed the PSM vehicle and smashed into four other vehicles. He has since been arrested by the police as it appears to be a deliberate attempt to cause harm to the President of the PNP.

We urge persons to act civil and responsible in this silly season.

Voting buying has begun $500 – $1500 being distributed .

This process commence last week in some communities located in St Thomas, however we have not yet being able to ascertain which political party (or parties) have been involved in the distribution of this cash.

 

 

Startling revelations coming about Danville Walker ?

That is the word we are hearing and the source has indicated its related to certain activities on the wharf.  We understand the opposition PNP has the “dirt” which will be revealed shortly.

IMF says its deal with Jamaica cannot be re-negotiated !!

This effectively means that should the PNP win the next election it will have no choice but to continue with the current standby deal the JLP signed with the IMF.

But with the deal which comes to end in the next 3 months, there is really nothing to re- negotiate.

At the same time IMF say the GOJ says the must put its house in order if it must continue to get more money from the IMF and other multilateral organizations.

IMF trying to influence the outcome of the next election?

This is the question on the lips of many as they question the many pronouncements being made  by the IMF chief in Jamaica which is uncharacteristic of that body. The comments follow on two responses as followup to promises made by the opposition PNP on things  it would change or introduce should they be elected.

PNP Comment

1. We will introduce JEEP – A short term employment program to get Jamaicans working once again.

IMF Response

1. We will not support JEEP, which was a slap in the face of the party which would have to deal with the IMF should they be elected.

 

PNP Comment

1. We will renegotiate the current IMF standby agreement to get a more favourable deal.

IMF Response

1. The current deal cannot be renegotiated, a new deal can be struck as this is one is almost over and so renegotiation is not on the drawing board

The international community and more importantly the USA has expressed concerns about a number of persons who are affiliated with the  PNP and the re-entry of one particular person, Paul Burke has raised eyebrows in Washington. They are also concerned about a populist being elected in Jamaica (Read Portia Simpson Miller) who they feel will make decisions that are popular vs being prudent. There are concerns too of the very close relationship between the PNP and the Venezuelan PM Hugo Chavez who is a fierce critic of the USA and its policies.

The IMF warning to Jamaica to put its house in order is not an empty one, as we understand that whichever party wins the next election and  any new deal  to be negotiated come April of next year will have less favourable terms that this one and it would be even more stringent should the PNP be elected. With a cash strapped country to lead, neither Andrew or Portia can go into the open market to source funding and as such we would have to swallow a bitter medicine come April 2012.

The USA has already achieved one of its objective and that was to get rid of Bruce and actually assisted the PNP to this end by surreptitiously  leaking information to their man in Jamaica (The MOU MAN) on the existence of the deal between Manatt and the Government of Jamaica.

So is the IMF now the USA weapon to keep Portia and the PNP in opposition and in so doing force the party to dump Portia after a second successive loss thus  paving the way for two time losing candidate Peter Phillips ascension to party president?

Interesting times are ahead indeed.

OCG launches probe in $62m NWA Furniture

The OCG has launched a probe into the acquisition of $62m worth of office furniture by the NWA using the palisades shoreline project funds, read the OCG document here.

NWA $62M Office Furniture

Dr. Alwin Hales underfire, is he now on the chopping block?

It would appear tonight that Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport Dr Alwin Hales could be the next fall guy in this increasing stench that is being developed regarding the JDIP.

I think however the main culprit behind this is Mike Henry who we gather was aware of everything that was going on regarding the entire project. It appears that the person who needs to be fired is Mike Henry but it appears that Dr Alwin Hales will be taking the fall.

This is getting real dirty !

Mike Henry Resigns !

Check the Gleaner and Observer for more details.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Mike-Henry-resigns-from-Cabinet

Flashback ! Scandals sends Billions down the drain.

Its seems no matter which party we put into to power the scandals continue unabated. One thing I have observed is that each administration has a panache for spending tax payers money like its their own and all seems to like furniture, lets take you back to some of the previous scandals and the cost to the Jamaican public.

PNP GOV’T MONEY SCANDALS

Shell Waiver (1991) $29.5 million

Zinc (1989) $500 million

Furniture (1991) $10.6 million

Public Sector

Salary (1998 $60 million

NetServ (2001) $220 million

Operation Pride/NHDC

(1997-present) $5.5 billion projected

TOTAL $6.320 billion

Credit : Jamaica Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20020219/lead/lead2.html

 

The JLP has had three minister resigned in less than four (4) yrs due to gross mismanagement on their part. Never in the history of our country (that I can recall) have we seen so many ministers having to resign from one administration.

This can be viewed in a number of ways

1.  There is a wind of change in Jamaica and ministers are now being held accountable by the people of Jamaica and are willing to go, when they have lost the confidence of the people.
2. The JLP is serious about getting rid of those who have lost confidence of the people due to corrupt or perceived corrupt activities.
3.  This is the new dispensation and we expect that going forward, should any minister including the PM be seen as corrupt or engaging in gross mismanagement must resign.

Mike Henry was Fired !!

We are receiving word that Mike Henry did not voluntarily resign, instead he was called to a meeting last night at 10pm and asked to hand in his resignation by the Prime Minister because his position was untenable!

Now he will have to resign as chairman of the party and will be succeeded by Robert” Bobby” Montague.

There you have it.

 

USA happy with Andrew Holness stance on corruption !!

The USA I am told is very happy with the stance  taken by the new Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness on corruption in government and stands willing to assist ion ridding this country of corruption once and for all.

In the past Jamaican, politician has only spoken about getting rid of corruption but for once we see a PM who is actually taking action in this  regard.

We need wiki to get us that cable from the  USA embassy in Kingston.

NCC calls for election Boycott

New Nation Coalition(NCC) has called on Jamaicans to boycott the upcoming elections , due to stench of corruption  that exist on  both side of the political fence, see news release here.

http://www.txtblast.it/newnationcoalition/display.php?M=365&C=c00f3926b611f1b33655f6bc9655ce39&S=10&L=2&N=20

 

PNP politician arrested for fraud !

The PNP said while Thomas, who has been accused of fraudulently taking money from several people, had applied to the party, he was never selected as a candidate for the upcoming general election.

However up to today, Thomas was listed as a candidate on the PNP’s official website.

 

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=33611

What Scotia Jamaica Building Society will not tell you, as its valued client !

A house will probably be the single largest investment you make outside of  buying/start a business. Typically an individual will take a a 15-20 year mortgage on his new home and rack up significant interest charges over the life of this loan. There are however methods that one can employ to pay off your mortgage earlier if you took out a loan with Scotia Canada but NOT Scotia Jamaica Building Society.

It would appear that Scotia Jamaica Building Society does not believe in this particular principle since it means lost interest and thus has sought to keep this “secret “from its local clients. Well its out and we are bringing to you the very policies that have been laid out by Scotia Canada to help it clients. On the Scotia Canada website you see the following :

The faster you pay off your mortgage, the less money you’ll spend on interest.

Here are some tips to help you get mortgage-free sooner:

• Make more frequent payments
• Make the largest payments you can afford
• Use your salary bonuses and tax refunds to pay down your principal
• Choose a shorter amortization period
• Keep your payments the same if interest rates drop

 

Increasing your mortgage payments by just 15% and switching to a bi-weekly payment schedule can significantly reduce your borrowing costs

This information is curiously missing from Scotia Jamaica Building Society Website or any of its printed materials, why?

 

http://scotiamobile.mobi/cda/content/0%2c1608%2cCID11099_LIDen%2c00.html

In these tough times Scotia Jamaica needs to adopt the polices that have been laid down by the parent company , rather trying to make it difficult for its clients to benefit by paying up more than the stated mortgage amounts.

 

This is a customer service post for all Mortgage Holder at Scotia Jamaica Building Society !!

Portia Simpson Miller is not fit to be Prime Minister of Jamaica !

What has been PSM list of achievements over the last 35yrs that makes her fit to be Prime Minister of Jamaica today. Lets explore the past achievement of previous PNP presidents going back just over the period of time that PSM has been in representational politics.

The Michael Manley Era

1. Free education for all
2. NHT – to provide housing for Jamaicans through contribution
3. The “Bastard” child act, no longer a child born out of wedlock be seen as an “outcast”
4. Minimum wage act
5. Maternity Leave for women with pay
6. Equal pay for women
7. Eat what you grow campaign.

Michael Manley made so mistakes, no doubt about that, but he was a visionary the problem was he was way ahead of his time.

The PJ Patterson Era

1. Highway 2000 road system
2. Operation Pride – good concept which was derailed by corrupt Jamaicans
3. Values and Attitude campaign
4. Production train – good concept poor choice of leader in Phillip Paulwell
5. Hotel sector expansion, “Spanish invasion”
6. New telecommunication act which removed TOJ/CW monopoly
7. Used car industry, allowing ordinary Jamaicans to get a car. The system before was elitist and new car dealers made a killing rincing your money yet you got no car.

The PJ Patterson era however was  littered with scandals whicn resulted in over $6.5B dollars going down the drain. In addition to that he had an inept minister of finance which presided over a financial ssytem which resulted in the lost over over $120b and counting.

During this time Peter Phillips shone like a bright light in every ministry in which he was placed.

Peter Phillips.

1. Outstanding performance is transformation of the transport sector
2. Outstanding performance in the health sector and made major changes to provide better service for Jamaicans.
3. Not so good in National Security, however his signing of the agreement which resulted in the extradition of Dudus must list as one of his big deal breakers which he kept a secret.

Why is Peter Phillips not the President of the party still beats me today. He went up against PSM and lost twice due to the what I will call the Portia factor which honestly I can only describe as ” love for the poor”.

Frankly I find it  difficult to listen to PSM and a squirm in my seat everytime she opens her mouth as I have no idea what will “jump” out. She has great difficulty engaging in any sensible interview or debate where she has to think and speak on the “fly”. I must give her credit however on the political platform where her words of love for the poor seems to ring well with many poor Jamaicans.

Jamaicans need more than that, they need hope, vision and deserve a lead who will lead and not one to be lead by adviser and so called consultants and speech writers.

Frankly I have been trying hard, but cannot seem to jot down even one item that I could list as some thing that Portia has achieved whether in her constituency or on the national stage. Portia has been in politics since Andrew Holness was 4 yrs old and yet 35 yrs later I have great difficulty creating a long list of achievements which I believe would point to her being a worthy leader for Jamaica.

Peter Phillips deserves to be party President and ultimately Prime Minister of Jamaica, but will have to wait until Portia Simpson bows out after leading her party into a second successive loss to the JLP. He does not have a lot of time on his hand and will have to move quickly to stamp his authority on the party and force PSM out as I do not think she will leave easily.

The PNP and Jamaica deserves Peter Phillips .

 

Portia at her worst behaviour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkPx2fVMjXM&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Dec 29, 2011 is the date for the next election

Nomination day Dec 12 and election day Dec 29, 2011 just announced by Andrew Holness.

USA SPY plane provided tactical support in Tivoli operations.

This does not comes as a surprize.

A year and a half later, the Jamaican government has refused to make public what it knows about how the men and women of Tivoli died. So has the government of the United States, despite clear evidence that a U.S. surveillance plane flying above Kingston on May 24th was taking live video of Tivoli and that intelligence from the video feed was passed through U.S. law enforcement officers to Jamaican forces on the ground, and that the Department of Homeland Security has a copy of this video. The video could corroborate, or refute, allegations that members of the Jamaican security forces massacred dozens of innocents, and could help identify the alleged killers.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/12/12/111212fa_fact_schwartz#ixzz1fnQwQqmM

See pictures and video which were released in May 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN4URiC_6QI

 

Gleaner release

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=33690

Checking the facts on Andrew Holness speech !

Andrew Holness in his speech sunday night made three statements which have been challenged and proven to be unturthfull in a new feature being carried by TVJ.

1.     Under the PNP no growth 15 out of the 18.5 yrs they were in power? Under the JLP the metrics have all lined up and we are now seeing growth

• Not true, during the PNP rule there was 15 yrs of growth and the average growth over this period was 1% per annum.
• Under the JLP four year rule the economy has contracted by 5%

 

2. The JLP left the dollar at J $5.00 to US$1.00 and when the took back power the dollar was $90 to one.
• Not true, when the JLP regained power in 2007 the exchange rate was $70.20 to one .

 

3. No banks were closed in the 4yrs of JLP leadership and no jobs were lost ?
• Not true , the unemployment rate has increased significantly over the last 4yrs.

 

Andrew Holness therefore needs to check the facts before he speaks or runs the risk of being branded a pathologically mendacious person.

Who is the politician that is alleged to have issued gun(s) for this election ?

This information made it into the main stream media since last Friday and to date I have not heard of any follow up to the claims made by persons who allegedly witnessed  a politician issuing at least one gun to a youth in his community.

Lets call out this miscreant who seems willing to kill, either to retain power or attain power.  Jamaican is tired and fedup of that type of murderous politics. If any blogger out there has information on who this person is,  lets publish it for all Jamaicans to see. Be careful, so until the information is official lets use his initail, its time to put and end to this type of behaviour from politicians.

Lets collectively work to put this creature behind bars, whoever he is.

USA politician sentenced to 14yrs for corruption !!

Will we ever see this type of action against any Jamaican politician anytime in the future. Did the action of Kern Spencer in the light bulb scandal qualify him for a similair sentence? What would have been Kern Spencer faith had he committed the offences he has been charged in Jamaica ( in the USA.)

How about the Mabey bridge  scandal and the involvement of  Joseph Hibbert, what would have been his faith had he been in the USA?

Jamaica is getting there but surely we are not yet ready to deal with corruption decisively !

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chinews-stiff-sentence-appears-likel-20111207,0,1609506.story

Dwight Nelson does not know Dudus but knows thugs in Woodford Park

Dwight Nelson was accused of pulling a firearm on PNP supporters in Woodford Park today, however in a swift response , Mr Nelson says nothing like that. Mr Nelson when contacted , indicated he went into the area having received reports that JLP flags were being pulled down and burned. He indicated that when he entered the area he was confronted by PNP thugs. He said he knows they are thugs as he recognizes one of them who was in fact WANTED by the police.

So how did Mr Nelson recognize this no name thug while he did not know Dudus?

Did Mr Nelson make a report to the police that he has spotted a wanted man in the woodford park area?

Is Mr Nelson lying or not  ?

What do you think?

Dwight Nelson Lied – He is pathologically mendacious !

BREAKING NEWS !

The GOJ of Jamaica via Prime Minister had called an emergency meeting this afternoon to address the USA Spy plane issue. We can now confirm that the GOJ  via  the Ministry of Foreign did in fact get a request from the USA to fly over and monitor the Tivoli operations. This confirmation starkly contrasts the vociferous denial by the Minister of National Security Mr Dwight Nelson yesterday.

So the GOJ is saying yes they were aware of the USA operations !

BTW – word is Dwight Nelson will be booted from the National Security Ministry should the JLP win the next election.

 

Skeng Don back in the PNP fold ?

That is the word we are getting. The Don has been at odds with Peter Bunting as he does not want him to be the PNP representative in Manchester and had withdrawn  monetary support from the party.

We however has learnt he has been wooed back into the fold. Was he in George Plain last night ?

Should our prospective leaders make public their annual medical records ?

This is the question that has recently been raised concerning the medical state of leaders to effectively lead the country. In applying for a job one thing your prospective employee  usually wants to know,  is the state of your health for many reasons which many of your already know.

There is word that one leadership aspirant is not doing too well at this stage of the campaign.

 

1500 Bogus votes ID card in St James, which political candidate is responsible?

There are reports that 1500 fraudulent votes ID cards where confiscated in a Central St James constituency last night. The police are tight lipped at this time, however we will have a further update when this story has been confirmed and hopefully at that time we can say which political candidate may be responsible .

VACANCY ! – A must read in today’s gleaner, Sunday Dec 11, 2011

- 63 MP positions

- Anyone can apply

- No job description

- No qualifications

 

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111211/lead/lead3.html

 

When you are done reading the above , take a look at the following post written over a year ago.

Part one

http://wp.me/pvIkx-80

 

Part two

http://wp.me/pvIkx-83

 

 

Lisa Hanna – Future PNP President ?

The Jamaican people were so pleased with Lisa’s performance in the recently concluded youth debate , that she is being touted in some quarters as a future PNP President in the very near future.

The question is Lisa ready for the big league, what do you think?

PNP plans to use JDIP funds to put gas in the JEEP !!

I just read this and I am amazed that the PNP is suggesting it would take 25% of the funds from JDIP to support the JEEP.  Is this not simply the PNP’S attempt to corrupt the JDIP in their own way. In addition they are planning to dip into the already depleted TEF funds to complete the funding of the JEEP.

JEEP is seen in many quarters as a crash program and as such the JDIP funds would be used to support a program that could be seen as  designed for party supporters and party hacks,  instead of actual development work which was the original intent.

In my humble opinion, this is a flawed program from the very onset and the plans for the PNP to dip into the JDIP fund to support JEEP is not only a  bad one , but  really shows there was really no plans for JEEP and this is a last ditch attempt to give the impression that JEEP was properly thought out program.

Oh my goodness Dr Davis wants his hands on the JDIP FUNDS , THIS WILL BE A DISASTER !!

In a TVJ report tonight, Dr Davis said the Chinese cannot tell him what to do with the funds as its borrowed money and its the people of Jamaica who has to pay back the funds in any event. I like many others are very uncomfortable with these kinds of  statement by the man who will have ultimate responsibility of the funds should the PNP win.

Nomination day in Jamaica, we have come a far way !

This video produced by the Jamaica Observer shows how far we have come as a people, from the days of zones of exclusion to a point where the “Garrison” folks can come together on nomination day.

This is what many Jamaicans have longed far and even though we are not yet fully matured as a people, scenes like these do offer some level of hope for the country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KLUD3RRdFc

December RJR/BOXILL poll, JLP ahead by a nose, but still a statistical dead heat !

Another dead heat, but the momentum is with the ruling JLP, see results below.

RJRpollDecember2011PArtystandings

Dr Charles-Freeman, pretty face but oh what a filthy mouth !

Caught up with Dr Charles-Freeman, daughter of the former representative of East St Thomas Pernel Charles during the recent JLP tour through St Thomas . Her behaviour and colour full language at the Rum Store Plaza , which is incidentally owned by Pernal Charles was worst than anything we have heard from PSM this year.

” This is my father Bl**d Cl@@t place and unno caan tell me nuttin” , where among comments that were attributed to her.  Most persons there, thought her behaviour was the most disgraceful they have ever seen from a female candidate , seeking representation and expressed “shock and awe” at her outburst. On a recent tour visting old folks, she was chased from the home of an eldery man who reportedly said ” You tink u a come up yah so, come do what you daddy do years ago nuh, well you make a sad mistake, come out a mi yard”

 

When on contrast her behaviour to that of the dentist, Dr Fenton Furgeson , there is simply no comparison and there is no doubt who the representative will be for Eastern St Thomas, after the polls have closed come December 29, 2011.

Dr Fenton Furgeson will win by a canter.

Dr Charles-Freeman needs to apologize for her behaviour and come better than this .

JLP/Holness ahead on every poll with 9 days before General Elections !

The JLP has moved ahead on every single poll that has been released in the last few days. In addition, Andrew Holness in the latest TVJ/BOXILL poll is ahead of Portia on every single metric used to determine the way Jamaicans feel about the leadership capabilities of each leaders of the JLP/PNP.

While the numbers in terms of lead are not significant, the rate at which Holness and the JLP has surged ahead of the PNP is nothing but remarkable and should this continue the JLP is most likely to register a win, though a narrow one.

The PNP has floundered and is being out manoeuvred  by the JLP, which is something we have not seen in close to 20 yrs and clearly demonstrated that  PSM is  very poor strategist .

She has allowed “Star boy” to hijack the party election machinery, which is now most likely to cause the party to lose and push her into retirement in the process.

The PNP has spent so much energy and time on none issues and  have failed to follow PJ Patterson advise and focus on the real issues. Now they are caught up complaining about almost every ad,  including the latest which shows the party leader PSM as the person she really is.

The AD was simply based on the  irresponsible and bad behaviour of the party leader, which has now come back to haunt. I am really  surprised by the action taken by both CVM and TVJ to pull the ads from the air, that seems so hypocritical to me.

Some months ago I wrote ” Portia latest blunder will put her into retirement” and it seems this will be just as I had predicted.

Peter Phillps says Merry Christmas to his constituents !

See copy of the post card sent by future Party Leader , Dr Peter Phillips to his constituents wishing them compliments of the season.

PJ Patterson left Portia a winning election machinery and she destroyed it !

PJ Patterson has every right to be upset at the direction the PNP has taken in its election campaign which incidentally being led by “StarBoy” and not the  official campaign director Dr Peter Phillips.

PJ left a winning election machinery which was second to none and the inept and incompetent PSM has allowed other to take over the party and destroy this once unstoppable machinery and heading the  party to another election loss.

Starboy has packed PSM bags and now she is about to go !

Portia wants a Jamaican Queen ?

Did she really say that. I heard there was rapturous laughter from the audiance when she made that comments. I missed the debate so can someone confirm that this was really true.

Now  lets move to have PSM the first Jamaican Queen since she won’t be Prime Minister of Jamaica ever again

BTW – I heard this was not much of a debate as both persons failed to answer most of the questions asked.

 

 

Portia saves Anthony Hylton from further embarrassment !

PSM finally seemed to have stepped in and advised Anthony Hylton to shut up and save himself and the party from further embarrassment. Mr  Hylton was seemingly on a path to not only being considered a pathologically mendacious person, but he also was causing great discomfort within the party, by his frequent press conferences and the reporting of what has turned out to be erroneous (lies) at everyone of these that were held over the last 6 weeks.

Anthony Hylton is certainly a bright guy and is considered by many a future PM of Jamaica, however the tendency to rush to the media over the last 6 weeks with “breaking news” which all turned out to be wrong has certainly damaged his credibility.

Time is however on his side and he can recover from this very bad episode in his career.

 

Extraditing coke – The full 100 from the New Yorker !!

This is the full article from the New Yorker on the USA spy plane and other issues surrounding what occurred as the Jamaican police and military sought to get Dudus from Tivoli Gardens.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/12/12/111212fa_fact_schwartz?currentPage=all

 

The leadership debate – Jamaica lost !

I just watched a video of the leadership debate involving the leadership of both political parties and I must admit I was very disappointed.  Firstly much of the questions were nonsense. Where on earth were the persons asking the questions going with the issue of homosexuality and Trafigura, how does those two issues for example will influence the issues that as a country we are grappling with and must resolve, in our quest to move this country forward.

I must give credit to PSM on her opening statement which I thought was well crafted and it was clear that she came prepared with facts which she presented pretty well. Andrew on the other hand focused quite a bit on himself in his opening speech and not much on the party  as he sought to milk the issue of youth for all that he could. I think he may have made an error here as this is exactly what PSM did back in 2007 with team Portia vs team PNP.

Deon  Jack-Miller’s question on debt reduction and growing the economy clearly rattled the opposition leader who was seen struggling to find her notes and fumbling trying to find an answer to the question. To her credit, she did recover and eventually crafted a response that was not scripted for her.

On the critical questions, the time allotted were way too short and did not allow either leader time to develop and complete their responses, thus a tremendous amount of content was lost during the entire debate.

The leaders provided very little terms of their vision for the country. In fairness  I will not entirely blame  the leadership of both parties  for this  as I believe that this  should be laid squarely at the feet of the Jamaica Debates Commission.

The question rang hallow, the answers shallow, the time inadequate, the visions lacking and very little on the direction that either will be taking to move Jamaica from poverty to prosperity.

Simply stating  our focus will be on the following will not cut it.

1. Growing the economy.
2. Alleviating  poverty.
3. Reduction of debt.
4. Increasing foreign Direct Investment ( FDI).
5. Renegotiating a new IMF agreement.
6. Increase job creation.
7. Tax reforms.
8. Public sector reform.
9. Public sector efficiency.

No time frame was attached to anything and where one was provided, as in the case of the new IMF agreement, it was clearly unrealistic and shows a lack of understanding of international agreements.

Once again I cannot blame the leaders for the short comings in the debate as it relates to content,  as it was what they were presented with.  While 90mins may have provided a little more clarity and direction, I think the entire format must be revisited and a formula arrived at , which will have the leaders speak more to the issues facing Jamaica and how their various manifestos will provide the solutions we desperately need.

So in essence, I think the Jamaican people lost in this debate and in all fairness Portia did better than expected due mainly to the fact the bar was set so low, while in the case of Andrew he did less than was expected and he did not “destroy” PSM as many had expected.

Summary

A very poor debate, that offered up nothing new, provided no further clarity or direction that either leader will take this country, as we grapple with the issues facing us today.

They both will hit the campaign trail again making lots of promises but very meaningful and practical solutions for our problems and claiming victory in the debate. The fact is the Jamaican  people lost !

 

Note

Take a look at the questions I asked in a post back in November hoping these would have come up in last’s night debate

http://wp.me/pvIkx-kH

Did “Starboy” say, PNP did not do enough for the poor in nearly 20yrs

Was just directed to this clip taken from TVJ regarding the performance of the PNP in almost 20yrs. The comments were made by none other than starboy and seems to contrast that of the party leader, who has constantly campaigned on how much she has improved the lives of poor Jamaicans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1d4UI45nqI&feature=related

The JEEP with Portia as “Driva”

Heard these are currently being sold at $2,000 each.

Courtesy of OGNR

PNP supporter in Sandy Point held in election day breach?

We understand the guy was arrested after he was observed with a camera taking  pictures inside the polling station. We further are being told he was allowed inside by a PNP indoor agent.

The police was called and the man arrested and a licensed firearm taken from him, which   is also  a breach of the election day rules. So on a day when its just a small turn out,  we have what I will call for now, an isolated case and we must commend the cops for being very responsive on this one.

Jamaica has had a pretty decent campaign so far and we simply cannot afford for these situations to compromise the election day activities. Its going to be a very close contest and as such any breaches along these lines cannot be tolerated.

Is it true that debate star and future leader of PNP Lisa Hanna is getting the cold shoulder?

Reports have surfaced that following Lisa Hanna’s commanding performance in the youth leadership debate and the public growing support of her as a bright prospect as a leader for the PNP , she is being given the cold shoulder by certain elements in the party.

By all accounts Lisa Hanna emerged as the best speaker when one compares all three leadership debates including the one between Andrew Holness and Portia Simpson.

The public support for Lisa has grown tremendously since the debate and many have publicly indicated that she is just about ready to take over from the aging elder statesmen/women in the party . That has not however gone over well with many in the party and word reaching us now, is that she is being given the cold shoulder by certain elements in the party.

This indeed a worrying development, as while I have publicly stated my disapproval of  PSM leadership of the PNP, I would fully throw my support behind Lisa Hanna as leader of the PNP.  There is no doubt in my mind that she would be fully supported by the public, but she would have to get pass the the delegates, many of whom are “brain dead”  , which would make her rise to the top post that more difficult.

We hope the reports we are receiving are not true , as this would clearly demonstrate the notion that PSM is willing to risk all,  just to be seen as the first elected female PM of Jamaica, vs giving the PNP the best possible chance of wresting leadership from the JLP.

 

PNP inches past the JLP in Gleaner/Bill Johnson final poll before the elections

PNP = 38%

JLP= 36%

See todays gleaner for further details.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL !

Wishing all bloggers (readers and posters)  a Merry Christmas and hoping you all have a peaceful yuletide season.

No new post will be presented for a couple of days and new posting will return starting, Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011.

Good luck to you all.

Portia nows says ” Jamaica Queen” statement was a joke.

Reading from a document in which Bruce Golding made reference to  a ” Jamaica Queen” in parliament, Portia is lamenting the fact that she has been given the “stick” for her statement. She has questioned why persons in the media have been drawn to her statement and has poured scorn on her, while the same approach was not taken when Bruce made the reference in parliament.

See video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGa24jWt2ZU&feature=player_embedded

The bold prediction – JLP 34 vs PNP 29 !

The Gleaner via the Bill Johnson Poll is making a very bold prediction today, which shows the PNP having the majority votes but a possible JLP victory in terms of the number of seats.

This is the first media house or opinion poll, to have made any such prediction, but as many will say ” it aint over until its over baby”. The electorate will speak in two days time and we shall all see.

 

Safe JLP

1. West Kingston (Desmond McKenzie)
2. North Central St Andrew (Karl Samuda)
3. North East St Andrew (Delroy Chuck)
4. North West St Andrew (Derrick Smith)
5. West Central St Andrew (Andrew Holness)
6. West Portland (Daryl Vaz)
7. West St Thomas (James Robertson)
8. West St Mary (Robert Montague)
9. Central St Catherine (Olivia Grange)
10. North East St Catherine (Gregory Mair)
11. South Central St Catherine (Dr Andrew Wheatley)
12. South West St Catherine (Everald Warmington)
13. West Central St Catherine (Dr Ken Baugh)
14. North East St Ann (Shahine Robinson)
15. South West St Ann (Ernest Smith)
16. Central Clarendon (Mike Henry)
17. South East Clarendon (Rudyard Spencer)
18. North East Manchester (Audley Shaw)
19. South Trelawney (Marisa Dalrymple Philibert)
20. South West St Elizabeth (Dr Christopher Tufton)
21. St James Central (Heroy Clarke)
22. St James East central (Edmund Bartlett)
23. St James North West (Dr Horace Chang)

 
Marginal but should go to the JLP

 

1. East Rural St Andrew (Joan Gordon Webley)
2. Eastern St Andrew (Dr Saphire Longmore)
3. West Rural St Andrew (Andrew Gallimore)
4. East Central St Catherine (Camile Buchanan)
5. North West St Ann (Othneil Lawrence)
6. North Central Clarendon (Pearnel Charles)
7. North West Clarendon (Michael Stern)
8. North West St Elizabeth (J.C. Hutchinson)
9. South East St Elizabeth (Franklyn Witter)
10. Eastern Hanover (Paula Kerr-Jarrett)
11. West Central St James (Clive Mullings)

 

 

Safe PNP

1. Central Kingston (Ronald Thwaites)
2. East Kingston and Port Royal (Philip Paulwell)
3. South West St Andrew (Portia Simpson Miller)
4. Western St Andrew (Anthony Hylton)
5. South St Andrew (Dr Omar Davies)
6. East Central St Andrew (Dr Peter Phillips)
7. East St Thomas (Dr Fenton Ferguson)
8. Central St Mary (Dr Morais Guy)
9. Eastern St Catherine (Denise Daley)
10. North Central St Catherine (Natalie Neita Headley)
11. North West St Catherine (Robert Pickersgill)
12. South St Catherine (Fitz Jackson)
13. South East St Ann (Lisa Hanna)
14. South West Clarendon (Noel Arscott)
15. North West Manchester (Mikhael Phillips)
16. North Trelawny (Patrick Atkinson)
17. Central Westmoreland (Roger Clarke)
18. Western Westmoreland (Dr Wykeham McNeill)
19. Eastern Westmoreland (Luther Buchanan)
20. North East St Elizabeth (Raymond Pryce)

 
Marginal but should go to the PNP

 

1. South East St Andrew (Julian Robinson)
2. East Portland (Dr Linval Bloomfield)
3. South East St Mary (Dr Winston Green)
4. South East St Catherine (Colin Fagan)
5. North Clarendon (Horace Dalley)
6. Central Manchester (Peter Bunting)
7. South Manchester (Michael Peart)
8. South St James (Derrick Kellier)
9. West Hanover (Ian Hayles)

 

Courtesy : Jamaica Gleaner

PSM and PNP being derailed by Gay comments in debate and the media response.

The response given by PSM in last week’s debate was a  reasonable one and never in my wildest dream could I imagine that it would still be something that would have generated so much comments.

PSM said she would review the law, at no point did she said she would repeal it, make any changes, give any commitment  etc, yet up to  she is taking a beating not for what she said, but what persons interpreted her comments to mean.

The church which has been largely silent woke up and started turning up the heat on the party and its leader over her comments, which honestly was a none issue for me.

The gay community actually made matters worse by coming out and seemingly embrace the party’s position and out of a mole hill we now have a mountain. As we draw closer to the finish line, sections the media has sought to keep this alive right down the day of the vote and is so doing have shifted the position of church goers and some of the uncommitted against the party.

The party has tried unsuccessfully to do damage control but it appears to be too late with just two days to go before the elections.

How on earth did such a none issue become a pivotal issue on the eve of the election, its certainly beats the heck out of me. With so much more important fundamental issues at play, we have made this issue a factor in the outcome of the upcoming polls, very disappointing !

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/jamaica-activist-criticizes-anti-gay-rhetoric-by-govt-candidates-in-leadup-to-tight-elections/2011/12/27/gIQAjeC3KP_story.html

Moody’s says ” Continue current economic policies or risk downgrade”

Moody’s in its most recent release has indicated that Jamaica risk further downgrade from stable to negative if whoever wins the next elections abandons the current economic polices or external shocks hit the country

Moody’s has also indicated the the country’s rating could move from stable to positive if the following should occur.

1. Tax reforms process is completed as being projected.
2. Current economic policies are continued by whoever wins the next election.
3. Economic growth in the coming year is strong.

Can one therefore say that Moody’s in expressing support and a vote of confidence in  the economic policies being pursued by the current administartion or is this move designed  to influence in someway, the thinking of Jamaicans going into the upcoming elections.

Some persons will dismiss the latter, since Jamaicans in general does not vote on issues but instead vote straight across party lines.

See latest Moody’ comments.

http://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-Disclosures-on-Credit-Ratings-of-Jamaica-Government-of–PR_234250

Don Anderson calls it on CVM minutes ago, sees a PNP victory !

Noted pollster Don Anderson has indicated 34 PNP, 29 JLP seems  to be what the poll are indicating . He was careful to note however that the work on the ground on election day could change this, but at this time Don Anderson say popular vote is PNP and they are likely to win by a small majority in terms of the number of seats.

Very interesting !

Cliff Hughes of Nationwide calls it for the JLP

One of Jamaica’s top journalist and a man whose information is usually flawless has stuck his neck out and has predicted that the JLP will win the elections at the end of tomorrow.

On his NNN program today, Cliff has indicated that despite it being a very close race, he is giving the edge to the JLP.  This one is a real cliff hanger( no pun intended) and will go down to the very last ballot box that is counted.

JLP – 35

PNP – 28

E – day is here !

Many persons have headed out, voted and have gone back to their respective offices. The road so far is nice and clear, not much traffic pile up in HWT, Constant Spring Rd, Barbican, New Kingston.

I guess things will get  busy later today.

Headed back on the road shortly.

Andrew got out and voted earlier see picture below.

Courtesy OGNR

Best Christmas ever, “nuff money run” so says some folks !

Hear labourites and comrades speak their minds and co-mingle , which is such a change in the way politics is run in Jamaica. The people have made the difference and credits must go to them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S863shdXoQ0&feature=player_embedded

E – Day incident, shooting in Southborough , St Catherine minutes ago!

Reports are that a young man was seen in the area acting suspiciouly and was accosted by residents. The man reportedly pulled a firearm and fired several shots at the residents who quickly sought cover.

The police who were quick on the scene apprehended the gunman.

Kudos to the cops on a very efficient job in this incident.

Some Glitches on E- Day !

Central Manchester.

Peter Bunting is reporting that at one polling station there was no electricity and workers were using candle light, when he visited that polling station early this morning. Is this not a shame on both candidates who are seeking to represent that area.

 

East Rural St Andrew

Donald Quarrie high school polling station just opened and persons are lined up orderly to vote, this is a wee bit late. We are not sure its just opening up.

Over in Bull Bay, a church , which has been slated as a polling station remains closed at this time( 9:24am), we are not sure why this the case, but someone needs to get on this right away, so persons can cast their votes and go home.

Stay tuned !

 

Man votes for wrong candidate, later dies

This is what you call ” die-hard” supporter

A 70-year-old man died after reportedly voting for the wrong candidate in Mullet Hall, West Portland this morning.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Man-votes-for-wrong-candidate–dies#ixzz1hx2QlzRZ

Lloyd B Smith says bogus ID Cards are in circulation !

Says one man was caught with a bogus card and another was caught trying to vote in another persons name. Lloyd says there is no doubt in in mind that come tomorrow he will be the new member of parliament in that constituency ( St James – Central)

Good day thus far, just over 2 hrs to go !

This election day proceeding by all accounts seem to be going well with just a few issues

1. Electronic voter verification systems appears to be slow.
2. Printer issues.
3. Persons showing up without ID cards and slowing down the process.
4. Names not appearing on voters list.
5. Fake ID’s appearing in St James

The last two hrs are normally pretty hectic since its when most workers have been given time off from work, to go out and vote.

Overall seems to be going well thus far.

Follow live election results here !!

Follow live results via television Jamaica at the link below.

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/LiveTV.aspx

OR electoral office of Jamaica

http://apps.ecj.com.jm/liveresults30m/index.htm

PNP in the lead and seems set to take it

The PNP is ahead on the JLP and seems headed for victory

PSM will become the next Prime Minister of Jamaica

There is no doubt about it, the PNP will win based on the counts coming in and PSM will become the next  Prime Minister of Jamaica. The JLP was absolutely destroyed, it was not even close !

Wow this is a landslide for the PNP

Why did the base of the JLP stay away ?

This appears to be what the deputy leader Desmond Mckenzie believes has lead to the JLP losing the polls to the PNP. With a voter turn of  just 48% it appears that the PNP was better able to mobilize its base and get them to the polling stations.

Others are suggesting that the hardship Jamaicans have undergone over the last 4 yrs is the main reason  the JLP supporters stayed away which resulted in the PNP victory.

Time to eat food again ?

Is this what this election had boiled down to ” eating a food”.

1. Low Int rate – No interest to live off
2. Stable dollar – can’t make no money from devaluation.
3. Crime makes money, crime down, money low
4. The “runnings” cut down, man can’t eat nuh food.”

Interestingly many JLP supporters saying they did not vote or were not going to vote as the JLP government  ” box food outta dem mouth”.

 

Danville Walker the biggest loser of them all !!

1. USA Citizenship
2. $10m job
3. The elections.

Where does he go from here is anyone’s guess.

What role did G2K play in the JLP loss ?

This question was posed to Samuda who downplayed it, but as far as I am concerned this group need to be disbanded as they are as dumb as they come. Many blunders, issuing TVJ managers email to the public and then telling people to put their X beside the head, which they did.

G2K cannot cross it, DWL

What a poor acceptance speech by PSM !

The speech was not only deviod of message to the Jamaican people she spent time thanking even the dead for her election victory. The speech was way too long and boring.

PSM should simply say thanks, give a message about moving the country forward and send persons home.

Peter Phillips may have stolen her thunder, but his address was more of what we expect from our leader.

Seems she did not come prepared  with a message to the business people, ordinary Jamaicans, nothing. Nothing thus far in her speech to report in the media, this is unlike anything we have ever seen before !

 

 

International media reporting PNP election victory

Jamaican opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller has reclaimed leadership of the country in a dramatic political comeback.

The ruling Labour party conceded defeat on Thursday after winning just 22 of the 63 parliamentary seats at stake in the general election.

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2011/12/2011123023331394360.html

Congratulations to the people of Jamaica, now lets get to work !

This has been the most peaceful election in decades,  which  clearly  indicates  that Jamaica has indeed come a far way. The issue of election violence, over voting, voting for others seem to be over, which is a clear sign that we have changed.

They have rejected arrogance and bad behaviour and has forced the politicians to have a relatively peaceful campaign without the usual nastiness that follows politics in Jamaica.

Now the people have spoken, we must start working  today to get this country moving forward. The people of the country, the private sector must work with the government to reduce waste, corruption and get this country to where it belongs. We will be celebrating 50 yrs come next year and we have precious little to show for it.

We surely can do it, but it requires a vision, one that is inclusive and something that the majority of the population  can latch unto. No more populist programs designed to make people “feel good”. Lets have those programs that will allow us all to feel proud to call Jamaica home wherever we go, let really start looking out for the interest of Jamaicans. These programs I mention above are those that will reduce or debt burden and provide a solid economic structure which will see us being able to reduce our appetite for debt and most of all provide jobs for the people of this country.

We must start manufacturing once again , we must push agriculture along, the services sectors has many opportunities, we must latch unto to those. We must earn more  via exports, we simply must reduce energy cost which is an impediment to manufacturing.

The people must keep this new government on their toes, let them know we will not accept cost overruns on project, waste in the public sector, selling of our beaches etc which,  only  succeed in locking Jamaicans out of the best beaches in the country .

The work begins now, this very minute, there is not much time to celebrate and as such we must get on with the business of governance.

What will the new PNP cabinet look like ?

I will now state who are the persons and key ministries I believe they should  hold.

1. Minister of Finance – Mark Golding. This guy is brilliant and is my pick for this ministry. Now he is not an MP but I am sure the PNP can figure something out.
2. Industry and Commerce – Peter Bunting . Good business head and can garner investments ( FDI)
3. Minister of National Security – Peter Phillips – One tough cookie and should go back to this ministry.
4. Minister of Transport and Works - Julian Robertson
5. Information Minister – Lisa Hanna
6. Minister of Tourism – Wykeham McNeil –  Do have some concerns here, but may be the best fit right now.
7. Minister of Education – Damion Crawford – Good guy who is not afraid of a challenge.
8. Minister of Health – Dr Fenton Ferguson .
9. Minister of labour and social security – Dr Omar Davis.  He should be allowed to exit gracefully .

These are the ones I am willing to suggest at this stage and represents a mixture of youth and experience.

Well there you have  it, Jay’s selection for a portion of the new PNP cabinet.

Additional suggestion

10.  Justice Minister – Ronald Thwaites

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Wishing all viewer and active participants all the best for the upcoming year. As we begin a New Year lets begin the hard work that will be required to build this country and place it on the road to prosperity.

I would like to extended special  thanks  all those bloggers, who participated in some very good discussion in the old year just passed and I look forward for your participation during this year.

For those out celebrating , take in easy on the rd and try to get home safely.

Good Bless !

Did the JLP commit political suicide ?

In one of my first articles written Oct 2009  I noted the following, which turns out to be prophetic words.

The JLP being the party in power today will be a one term government as there is no way they can do what I am suggesting the do without getting voted out of office at the next election, but it needs to be done if we are to survive when the global economy returns.

 

See link. Titled : Fixing Jamaica’s broken economy

http://wp.me/pvIkx-17

 

What is interesting is, I did not continue the series back then, but it did capture  most of my thoughts at the time. As I read it back today, I said wow, how true.

Criminal elements running amok in the transition !

Over the last few days (between Thursday and Sunday) there is a noticeably sinister development taking place  in terms of crime, in particular multiple murders .

I do hope the new administration is quickly sworn ( MNS must be the first) and persons including cops can regain focus and vigilance in terms of protecting the rights and lives of Jamaicans. Over in Montego Bay for example there has been 4 murders including  the two persons shot and killed today . The criminal elements seem to be using the transition period to carry out there dastardly acts and the cops must move in quickly to make sure there presense is felt and quickly.

In downtown Kingston , a young woman was allegedly viciously sexually  assaulted by a group of men after returning from a session early this morning, which is something we have not heard occurred in that area for  long time.

I have learned however that some guys are in custody in connection with this latter incident.

We as citizens must be vigilant, we have made some very good progress in the area of crime and we must not allow the gains we have had to be reversed while we wait for the transition to be completed.

 

 

What impact will the European recession have on Jamaica ?

Its being projected that Europe will more than likely experience a recession this year, coming at a time when the Jamaican economy seems to be on the verge of a recovery.

The Tourism ministry was looking to the European economy to bring about some diversification of the tourism product, to reduce our dependency on the USA  market and bring in more foreign exchange for the country.

The European union has been very supportive of Jamaica and has provided a tremendous amount of money in terms of aid to this country over the years. In fact in the Daily Observer dated Tuesday, February 23, 201o the following was noted.

THE European Union (EU) says it has pumped more than $100 billion of grant funding into the local economy since 1975, placing Jamaica at the top of countries receiving aid from Europe.

“If you disregard the lesser developed countries (LDCs) Jamaica received the highest per capita in development aid of all countries in the world,” EU First Secretary and Head of Section, Economics, Trade, Politics and Information Thomas Millar said yesterday.

“We (EU) are by far the biggest grant donor in the country,” he added.

This is a lot of money by any measurement standard which  has assisted Jamaica significantly over  this period of time. With the economic turmoil facing many countries in the European Union and the involvement of the IMF in providing financing  to these countries along with assistance from other member countries, what is the likely effect on aid to Jamaica?

This is the question on the lips of many today and we shall await the response of the new administration, to this new threat to the Jamaican economy in the coming weeks.

We do hope the situation is not as bad as we are being led to believe  by many economist and analyst, as this could have grave consequences for the Jamaican economy in the coming months.

Jamaican’s unrealistic expectations of the new PNP Government ?

I must admit that I am a bit concerned with what seems to be some really unrealistic expectations being espoused by many persons as I walk the streets . There is a sense that now that the PNP is in power, things will return to “normal” and we will be able to enjoy life significantly better than we did  under the previous administration. Here are some of the many comments that I have heard since the PNP victory.

1. Money ago run again ” the green man dem did a mek money fi dem and dem big fren alone”.
2. We ago can eat food again. The JLP cut out  all d runnings and man nearly dead fi hungry.
3. The PNP ago open up the scarp metal trade again, so u dun know things ago nice  again.
4. We can now party until 6 am and nuh haffi lock of the music at 2am  anymore.
5. By February factories ago open up, so people can get work.
6. Mi ago check mi mp because mi want a job . Four yrs a “sufferation” under the JLP , now a fi we time.

While one can certainly be hopeful one must also be realistic and I  am afraid that this government will be hard pressed to keep its election promises of balance the books while balancing lives, if the expectations above are shared by a large majority of the electorates.

 

Lloyd B Smith has made it very clear that we must  focus on teaching people to fish vs continuing to provide them fish to eat,  but how many believe and accept that this is the best path to take.

Too many of us are not willing to “learn” the trade so we can become good fishermen and women, but are contented with stealing from your fishpot after you have done all the hard work.

The swearing ceremony for the new Prime Minister takes place this Thursday and I do hope that in the message, there is both a mixture of hope as well as a picture of the stark reality that faces Jamaica today.

The USA is not yet out of the woods and Europe is about to enter a recession. Growth in the BRIC’s nation (  Brazil, Russia, India and China) has slowed down significantly, which is an ominous sign for Jamaica. The BRIC’s countries have been expriencing significant growth but with the recession in the USA and the problems in Europe, it does not take a genuis to recognize that the BRIC’s will be affected since Europe and the USA their( the BRICS’s) primary targets for exports.

The challenge ahead is enormous, we live in a global village and will not be insulated from what is going on around us and any information presented to the contrary must be  rejected.

 

Jamaica is at a crossroad and depending to the steps we take from here, we can put this country on the path to attain developed country status  by 2030 or conversely become another Haiti in the Caribbean. Where we go from here is entirely dependent on the choices we make from here on, lets hope those choices are in the interest of the nation and not party or self.

PS. I am sure bloggers here, will be willing to translate the Jamaican dialect written above for persons who have  a difficulty understanding what is written, but I believe I should  present the info in true Jamaican language as it was received.

Good start by PSM , but I have some concerns .

She has engaged the Tivoli Gardens dance group to perform at her swearing  ceremony. This shows inclusiveness on the party of the PM designate which is very good.

She has trimmed the swearing ceremony budget from $4m to $3.3m, I suspect she could not cut it any more as contracts had already been signed which could not have been changed.

She has sought to bring decorum to the swearing ceremony, by banning horns and vuvuzela from the event. At the swearing ceremony of Andrew Holness, folks made a mockery of the ceremony with the level of noise that was displayed at the event.

I am however concerned about statements made by the administration (Dr Omar Davis) to bring back former governor of the bank of Jamaica, Derek Latibeaudiere in some capacity that we do not know. If he is being brought back to open negotiations with the IMF, I would be very concerned. We have an existing governor at the Bank of Jamaica who is very capable, we have a Director at PIOJ who, is also very capable.

Engaging Derek at this stage would send the wrong signal, as he presided over the bank during its worst periods in terms of carrying out its mandate, the only exception was the increase in the NIR.

He will have to be paid and I suspect it won’t be chicken feed that he will be paid for his services. We cannot afford to engage the services of high paid consultants when we already have persons in positions who are already being paid. We will not sit by and allow the PNP government to start re-engaging the services of civil servants who have been removed from the service, as was the case in the last administration, when at one point in time the GOJ engaged no less than 56 highly paid consultants in what was know as the “fat cat scandal”.

Why is Dr Omar Davis being given so much “face” in the party, yes he is responsible to the transitional team as they move to take over, but I am very concerned he is being allowed too much latitude. Personally, I have very serious concerns about Dr Davis so called skills during his tenure as finance minister and I see him now being given far too much latitude in the early stages of the PNP government.

We must be vigilant and not accept whatever is thrown at us; we have had enough of that.

I therefore urge the Prime Minister designate to pay careful attention to members of the team, yes allow them to get the job done, but persons cannot just be left alone without proper oversight.

 

Nothing worst than travelling from Jamaica ?

Arrived in St Maarten at approx 4:15pm this afternoon on a Caribbean Airline flight from Jamaica.  Now I have been flying this route for over six years now and one thing I was always amazed about, was these was no customs in St Maarten.

That all changed this afternoon, as after collecting my luggage, I was greeted with a long line  in the customs areas. The officers were out in the numbers and checking every single passenger that had arrived on the Caribbean Airlines flight and has disembarked in that country.

A Jet Blue flight had a arrived a few minutes after the Caribbean Airlines flight however these persons were not subjected to any checks as far as I could tell. Many persons of course were complaining, as this seems to have been a new system which  was setup for persons travelling from Jamaica since it appeared to target the Caribbean Airline passenger.

We seem to be the subject of suspicion everywhere we go.

PS. Not my usual post but found it interesting will see if I hear any comments from other persons in the main stream media.

How was the incoming Prime Minister’s swearing speech ?

I missed the entire ceremony and is looking forward to bloggers to provide some insights into the speech. From the little I have picked up so far, she seemed to have done a pretty decent job.

Eighteen member cabinet too large, so how did we get to 20 ?

The Prime Minister , the Honourable Portia Simpson Miller today appointed a 19 member cabinet to manage the affairs of the country. The PM when in opposition was highly critical of the former administration cabinet ,which at the time was 18 and  was said to be too large ,so what has changed?

I am not going to go on record to say the current cabinet is too large, as I firmly believe we must appoint the right number of qualified persons required to do the job done efficiently.

I do not know if the correct amount is 16, 17, 18 ,19 or 20 , what I am interested in however, is knowing precisely, the mandate of each cabinet minister and how each of their roles , roll up into proper management of the country to the benefit of the people.

eg. What can we expect from the following:

1. Minister of National Security
2. Minister of Finance
3. Minister of Education.

They all must have the following:

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPI’S)
2. Time line associated with each KPI.
3. Scorecard which must be made public via in quarterly economic performance review ( By PIOJ, STATIN , BOJ)

No more should we accept a man or woman occupying a seat for 5 yrs without him/her being able to deliver according to the mandate given, as all that succeeds in doing is setting back the country five years in that specific area.

Let we the people of the country be the judge of each  of these persons and hold everyone of them accountable, for ” bringing home the bacon”. We cannot continue to jump from party to party hoping that one day we will get performance, those days are over.

They must perform or be removed from their substantive post, the days of free loading on the public purse are over. We would never accept mediocrity in the management of a private sector company and similarly we should never accept it from our public officials.

PS. I am very happy to see Senator Mark Golding in the cabinet and like I have said before, he needs to be placed in the Finance Ministry, I would really like to see him get  that top job very soon.

If a by -election occurs in Western St Thomas ,he will be certian of claiming that seat without breaking a sweat. No I am not suggesting that one will be taking place shortly, I am simply suggesting that he be allowed the opportunity to become an elected member which would pave his way to becoming the Finance Minister. Rest assured , I firmly believe he could put Dr Run wid it and Man a yaad to shame, I have every confidence in this guy.

Public critical of the size of Portia Simpson Miller’s ” WATNOT”

The Jamaican has reacted with surprise, at what they have termed the enormous size of the new cabinet just appointed by the Prime Minister. The public reaction as captured are as follows:

” Look how she was criticizing the size Bruce cabinet and yet she named and even larger one”

” She is a politician what did you expect”

” She has made her first blunder, she said trust me I will have small cabinet, yet she goes and name an even bigger cabinet”.

” How can we trust politicians, they say one thing in opposition, yet when they get power they go and do the very same thing, they were critical of”

” What did you expect, she has to reward those who has stuck with her since 2007, they are all the same”.

Portia in her defense has indicated that the size is due to a development process, as she seeks to develop the young members of her party, by having them work with senior person.

This sounds all good, but will the public by it since they voted against what the termed ” trust deficit” within the political system.

Only time will tell, but the public seems to be taking no prisoners thus far.

This is what PSM said back in 2009 regarding cabinet size

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks5HEUVzTMc

Skip to 2:18

The WHITE TOYOTA COROLLA is back !!

Murder declined significantly in 2011,  thanks to the leadership of the police force ,lead by Commissioner Owen Ellington. We have noted however that a sinister development has been taking place since the start of the year.

There has been at least three double murders since the start of the year involving the use of a firearm(s) and guess what, that “white toyota corolla” that featured in so many murders in the past has been spotted in the three incidents thus far.

Is it the same “corolla” or a number of these white “corollas” that are being driven around and being used to commit murders.  While the Commissioner and his team have every right to celebrate last years performance, thats now history. A sinister development is taking place and needs to be quickly addressed in swift and forceful manner.

I am not suggesting they go around harassing drivers of white toyota corolla, but instead use good intelligence to pickup what I and others are seeing as a concern and address it. We simply cannot afford to go  lose the significant gains we have made in the past 18 months.

I urge Jamaicans to be vigilant and provide all necessary information to the police , while protecting yourself in the process

 

Open letter to Finance Minister, Dr Peter Phillips

Dear Dr Peter Phillips,

Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on a wonderful performance as campaign manner for the PNP and leading that party to a resounding victory over the ruling JLP.

In addition I would like to congratulate you on your ascension to the most powerful cabinet minister position (after the PM), its well deserving and I know you will do a good job based on your track record.

If you can employ some of the strategies used to run a near perfect campaign in which you managed to outwit, outthink and outspend the JLP thus pushing them into opposition, then I think the Finance Ministry is in good hands.

I would like however to focus on the “outspending” aspect of your campaign and would indulge your attention is responding to a number of questions I have in this respect.

During the campaign you indicated amongst other things, that you will level with the Jamaican people, you would not be as mendacious as the other guys, you will be open, transparent and tell us the truth at all time.

With that as the background, could you provide our readers with answers to the following questions?

1. How much did the campaign cost?
2. Where was the source of funding for the campaign?
3. How much was provided by the following:
   1. Business enterprise in Jamaica.
   2. Business enterprise out of Jamaica.
   3. Individuals in Jamaica.
   4. Individuals /parties outside of Jamaica.
   5. Loans.
   6. Contributions with conditions attached.
   7. By the party own funds.

4. For loans we would like to know the following?
   1. Individual loan amounts.
   2. Interest rate for each loan.
   3. Moratorium on each loan if that exist.
   4. Length of the loan.
   5. Special conditions associated with each loan e.g. If you lose, then x, if you win then y.
   6. Who is responsible for payment, will that be the PNP or the Government of Jamaica

5. Where there any assurances, guarantee or any special conditions associated with any of the contributions made and if so what were these.
6. It was noted , that its no “accident” that you are campaign manager, turned finance minister. It is being said these two were carefully crafted and married to ensure that certain financial commitments made, would be dealt with. Would you care to comment on that sir?

Finally I spent a few minutes looking at your audited financial report for 2010 and noted the following.

Balance Sheet

Current Assets	Millions ($J)
Receivables	2.286
Cash in the Bank	4.002
Total	6.288

Income statement

	Millions ($J)
Dues	8.723
Contributions	20.066
Others	1.192
Total Income	29.985
Total Expenditure *	29.638
Net Income /Operating surplus	0.344

Now, since this was not in an election year, I decided to take a quick look at how the money was spent.

 

Selected Expenditure

Staff Cost	$15,538m or ~52% of total income
Advertisement	$242,995
Printing and Stationary	$102,754

We note that all the above would have had to be increased significantly during the election campaign and so would be income, to support the kind of campaign you were able to pull off. This led to the many questions that were listen above.

Finally, I understand that you will be making contact with the IMF as promised during the election campaign. We all wish you well and hope that you will be able to strike a better deal than the pervious one, a deal that will be in the best interest of the Jamaican people and not the IMF.

Thanks for reading and looking forward to your response. It would be nice to have Sandra respond (since you will be all tied up with the IMF)  directly on this blog. We would not however be averse to her making a public statement to mainstream media.

Yours truly,

Jay Brown

Dr Omar Davis says ” I have not a clue about block and steel”

This coming in his first interview after being appointed as Minister of  Transport, Works and Housing. Seems Dr Omar Davis prefers the virtual world of paper money and stuff that you cannot touch and feel.

I am not sure this is something I would share with the media, as it inspires zero confidence in his approach to the position.

It will be interesting to see what he brings to the table in this new  ministry.

KD Knight tells comrades , “be patient”; Hylton says we need time.

KD Knight in a recent address in St Elizabeth, told comrade that he knows their expectations are high and their list long, but they must be patient. He said ” Mr Buchanan cannot walk on water” so you have to all wait to get results.

This is a very good message from KD Knight , to temper the very high expectations from the government, given the resounding mandate they were given by the people of Jamaica on December 29, 2011. So folks, don’t bother the politicians about job just yet, the need time to put the house in order before being able to deliver the many promises made in the period leading up to the elections.

We note a very interesting comments from KD Knight, in which he said ” there is nothing to go back to”. I get from that statement, that he is suggesting the people of Jamaica are stuck with the PNP so we just have to ” tek wah we get fi now”, as we have rejected the JLP in the last election.

Elsewhere, Anthony Hylton who now has responsibility for Industry, Trade and Commerce , which has oversight responsibility for the scrap metal trade has reportedly told the industry, he needs time before he can consider the reopening of the industry. He indicates he believes the trade can be regulated and will be looking into how this could be achieved.

 

Greg Christie writes to the Prime Minister

Says Government must address corruption.

See media release below.

ocg media236

Did the “JEEP” roll into Harbour View today?

We have  reports of  sidewalk cleaning and road works in the Harbour View scheme which is being alleged is to be associated with JEEP. We have learned that Damion Crawford had been meeting with the young folks in this area, after his electoral victory in that East Rural St. Andrew seat.

The work apparently got started earlier today.

If this is so, where is the SOF to pay these folks, since we have not yet completed negotiations with the Chinese in relation to the change in the JDIP fund to support JEEP.

We have some info on the SOF but cannot confirm this to be the case.

Fallout between Andrew Holness and G2K President ?

This has resulted in the G2K President walking. We understand he meet with party leader Andrew Holness , who expressed is dissapoinment with Delano who had earlier distanced himself from the G2K ads that were used in the last elections.

It seems Delano may have been pushed out. He has been under tremendous pressure in recent days after the group which he heads was blamed for the JLP trashing at the recent polls.

Where does Delano Seiveright go from here is anyone’s guess.

Government set to reverse free healthcare policy?

BAD MOVE ?

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson seems set to reverse the free healthcare policy, which was introduced 4yrs ago under the former administration.  In a recent public address, Dr Ferguson said, ” those who can afford to pay should pay”.

The question is,  can we afford to lose “free healthcare” at this stage, when persons are suffering and can barely afford to buy food much less pay for health services. There is no doubt that there are problems with the existing system, but instead of fixing the problem we are about to see many who are just barely surviving being asked to pay for healthcare.

I think this is a retrograde step by the new administration, which has championed itself as caring and looking after the interest of the poor and near poor in this country. It has been said the system has been overwhelmed since the introduction of the free healthcare system, which is a clear indication that Jamaicans are utilizing the system to seek affordable healthcare.

The fact is, those who can afford to pay are already paying. I do not see persons in the middle and upper class  utilizing the free healthcare; instead they will always opt to pay for private healthcare. So those most likely suffer from this move, (if it becomes a reality) are the very persons who are barely hanging on, given the tough economic conditions that exist today and  who really need the service.

The problem with the former system of user fee is, it requires some level of administration to complete needs analysis to determine who ” can pay vs those who cannot pay”. In my mind it’s a complete waste of resources and money to have people being employed and paid, to try and figure out who can pay and who cannot pay. Use the money to enhance the service instead of employee more administrators who contribute nothing to the delivery of healthcare.

As I mentioned above these is a problem in the free healthcare system in the administration of pharmaceutical, where persons (“ginnals”) have collected the drugs under the system then turn around and sell those drugs for a profit.

To fix the problem, the government should turn over the administration of drugs to either Sagicor or Blue Cross via a tender process. How I picture this working is similar to what exist today with your Blue Cross or Sagicor card.  If you “qualify” you will received a card with your name and a set amount of money or let’s call it drug equivalent.

You then present this card to your local pharmacy and collect your drugs, when you have used up your allocated amount for the year, then that’s it, if you need more drugs you purchase it at market rates. This I believe will go a far way in stamping out this corrupt practice by the many persons who collect the cheap drugs and sell it, in the name of ” eating a food”.

 

 

Chinese not comfortable with proposed change in JDIP Structure?

Unconfirmed information reaching us, has suggested that the Chinese are very uncomfortable with the proposed change in the JDIP  structure. Recall the government while in opposition has indicated that it would use 25% of the JDIP fund to support JEEP.

I understand that the Chinese while not rejecting the plan, have some very strong objections about this proposed change, which has the government very worried . The initial discussion have not been going well and we understand that a delegation will be dispatched as early as this coming week to China to have further discussion , while addressing the concerns on the Chinese.

Two areas of concern as I understand it are:

1. The strident criticism of the existing JDIP program by the PNP while in opposition which made the Chinese very very uncomfortable.
2. The most important of all ,is the fear that the Chinese could suffer some major embarassment given Jamaican history with corruption, if the JEEP is seen by the opposition and Jamaicans alike as a corrupt program. The problem is, if JEEP becomes associated with JDIP and it JEEP is seen as a corrupt program, then the entire JDIP program would be seen as compromised thus tarnishing the reputation of China as supporting corruption overseas.

We all know that China takes a very hard line on corruption at home and as such they would not want to associated with a program, which can be easily be corrupted given Jamaicas past history with such programs. Its not that they were designed with corruption in mind, its simply the way they ended up.

Can Dr Omar Davis and Dr Peter Phillips shed some light on this new development given the committment to be open and transparent with the Jamaica people.

Also we would like to know if it is true that the Chinese have proposed or ( are open to the idea) to lend funds at even lower rate than JDIP along with grants to support JEEP, but with certain pre-conditions?

I can hear the following ” The discussions are at a delicate stage and as such it would not be prudent to come to Jamaican people at this time. Please allow this dicussions to take place and when we have a breakthrough we will commuiniate with everyone”

 

 

JDIP QUESTIONS?

JDIP is said to be one of the most corrupt program ever conceived and the handling of this program contributed to the JLP  loss on Dec 29, 2011. Many persons including the then opposition spokesman Dr Omar Davis asked that the program be suspended pending a review as the road selection process, unexplained increases in work estimates etc were unacceptable.

Its been almost three weeks since the PNP was swept to power and now JDIP has become this government’s responsibility. I believe that in the name of transparency and openness there are some questions that I would like to ask in relation to the program.

1. Are all the JDIP projects previously started, still in progress and if so why?
2. Can the ministry of transportation of works publish a list of all approved projects and constituency is which those projects fall?
3. Can we get a list of all the contractor for each of those approved projects and the value of each of those contracts?
4. For projects submitted and not yet approved can we get a list of those project, value and area in which those projects are to be done.
5. When will the JDIP review begin?
6. There was said to be no parliamentary oversight for JDIP because it was off the books, is it now on the books and if no, when will it be?
7. Once the JDIP review has completed can we get a new list of new projects to be added, value, constituency in which these projects are  to done and the various contractors for each of these new projects?
8. Can we also get a list of the various projects scratched and the reason they were no longer being considered?

Answers to the  above I believe will bring about some transparency to the entire JDIP program and allow for the Jamaican public so see what is going on, where the money is being spent and who is getting what.

Let us be the judge of the JDIP program.

 

Why did the JLP lose the election ?

I had decided against posting this article since the elections are over and we really need to focus on getting on with the business of governance and working with the new government in the interest of the people. I decided against by better judgement and decided to make it public, so here it is. I certainly expect to be taken to task for it, but hey its not North Korea, you are free to express your own views.

So the JLP has met and have arrived at what they believe are the reasons for the party electoral loss.  Many analyst, columnist and bloggers have also weighed in on the reason for the lashing the JLP took in the last election.

The JLP has gathered together the very same persons who said the party was ready for election and who may have also resulted in their loss to look at and come up with explanations for the loss.

The JLP have missed and continue to miss one critical factor in all of this and that is the grass roots supporters and the Jamaican people at large, how could they ?  They have failed once again to come down to earth and deal with the people.

The following has been postulated as reason for the election loss:

1. Arrogance by party leaders.
2. Manatt and the Dudus saga.
3. Corruption involving JDIP.
4. The negative ad campaign by G2K.
5. Attacking Portia which is akin to attacking the people of Jamaica
6. The party leader focusing a campaign on himself and young and different

These were some of the most popular pronouncement by many, but how much did all those really play in the PNP being voted into power.

Now let’s back to the issues mentioned above and de-construct some of these 7 factors.

Arrogance

Hardly like a factor, for the simple reason that Jamaicans by nature are arrogant and politicians in general are very arrogant given the level of power they possess while in office. Take for example  Robert Pickersgill, Dr Omar Davis, KD Knight, these come as arrogant as you can get but that did not stop the party from winning  3 straight and once again in 2010.

Was arrogance a factor, in my mind it was hardly a factor.

Manatt and Dudus Saga

Jamaican politician  have hugged up gangsters for many years and many including some of  today’s politicians have attended the funeral of known gangster to show their support for these persons as community leaders. Dr Phillps for example attended once such funeral along with Omar Davis. The former Prime Mimister PJ Patterson was said to have met with gangster Zeeks during or after the gas strike and thanked him for not participating in the strike and keeping the peace. That did not stop PJ Patterson from being the best strategist in organizing and leading the PNP to three straight victories.

So was the Dudus saga a factor, yes but not a big one as many would have been led to believe. One thing that rattled Jamaicans, was not so much that Bruce was protecting a gangster,  but the fact that the USA was canceling Jamaican visa as well as green card and not giving many visas during the impasse. Having a green card and a visa is a big thing and anything that threatens that is BIG problem for Jamaicans.

Corruption & JDIP

Many are being led to believe that this played a big role in the JLP loss and while there is some truth here, its not for the reason that has been mooted( I will speak more on that later). If one should examine corruption in Jamaica and particularly under the former PNP government, I can count approx 10 at a total cost to the country of $5.5B.  How much has corruption in JDIP cost thus far, we do not yet know as the audit process is not yet completed, but I am sure it’s a whole lot less

So was this a factor, certainly and I will tell you why.

I will stop here and move into Jay’s analysis of the JLP election loss and I certainly expect to be taken to task by many bloggers, but that is not a problem.

In speaking with many Jamaicans on their own take and I mean, ordinary grass root Jamaicans, no Masters or Phd’s, just regular Jamaicans. These persons were very frank and many were labourites who choose not to vote for the JLP and would not vote for the PNP either.

What they had to say.

1. “Boss mi nah tell you nuh lie, mi a labour man but mek mi tell u dis, when PNP was in power, we could eat a food. Mi nah tell u nuh lie d man dem set d ting a way so everybody could eat a food. Since me party tek over only certain big man get to eat food, d man dem diss wi and tek wi fi ediat”.

2. ” Yow you see weh de man dem do wid JDIP money, how d man dem fi tek $100m go fix up a office instead mek wi eat a food off a it. You think seh if PNP was in power and siddung pon so much JDIP money, that money would not run an mek we eat food. That would a never happen under PNP, d JLP  dem a tek man fi fool. A just dem an dem big fren a benefit and nuttin nah gwan fi we.

3. “Mr you think seh we can tell we landlord or d cashier at d supermarket dat  d  indicata ( economic indicators) dem  are all lined up and growth is about to occur so dollars soon run . Nah sah we caan do that, a money we a defend and right now nuttin nah gwan fi poor people.

4. Tufton mash up the farming business wid im foolishness bout farmers market, from d ting start a pure losses fi we as farmers . We tell dem it nah work but dem nah listen.

5. Tufton a try mash up we fishing business, you see d man come een and change  up d size a fishing net. From d man change up d ting we nah ketch as much fish as we used to, it caan work. You tink sey it easy fi spend some much time outta sea and d likkle bit a fish u ketch caan mek nuh money fi  feed u family.

6. D man dem shutdown d scrap metal trade brethren and that is a major diss. Mek a tell u sumptin a nuff man used to eat a food when d ting dds a run, is not a PNP and JLP ting, everyman used to mek a change. Mi nah seh some man neva did a do certain tings weh wrong enuh but most people honest and did a do d right ting. D man dem could a siddung wid we and work out a ting, so d ting could still run.

7. Yow u see d cash plus ting a nuff man used to mek money when cash plus did a gwan enuh. From dem come inna a power d man dem link up wid Wayne C and Lee C and mash up d ting. U know how much man did buy car, house and land outta cash plus,  a nuff man enuh. D man dem come een and inna no time d ting mash up and nuff man lose a ole heap a money. D man dem wicked iyah and we nuh figet dat. When PNP was in power d ting did a gwan and nuh body did lose nay money, mek dem gwey!

8. Aright look over Portmore how d man dem go tek weh people container weh dem setup fi mek a livelihood  an go hide. Man come ,caan fi dem tings, ask d mayor im a diss d program chat bout a nuh im, seeh bout a next set a people do it. When we go check dem ,dem a say a d mayor . Dem a gee man a run a roun and a tek we fi eediat , wi  may be poor but we nuh fool. D man dem nuh have regard fi suffera iyah and a we put dem deh

9. Look pon d likkle selling weh wi did a do pon d street. D government send d police fi cum terrorise we every day. Dem have wi a run up and dung like we deh a Olympics, tek weh we goods, mash up wi godds, stalls and dem tings deh. Nuff a wi nuh have nuh work and a dat likkle hustling put food pon we table and send wi pickney dem go school. You nuh see she d man dem wicked iyah.

Portia Simpson was spot on when she described the JLP government and its leaders as cold and uncaring and not concerned with the plight of the poor. She touched a nerve here , which resonated with many Jamaicans and were captured by some of the comments above.

No disrespect to the ladies but I chose this analogy to make a point. (Mich a nuh nuttin)

Mr Bigs is married and has a nice wife, he works long and hard hours to bring home the bacon and ensure the family is financially taken care off. He however does not take his wife anywhere does not tell her how good she looks and how happy he is to have her around. When he gets home he so tired, he simply eats, showers and go to bed. He wakes up early the next day and he is off again and the cycle starts.

There is an important missing element here and it’s the person ie  his wife, while financially she is ok, her emotional needs are being ignored, which can lead to a very bad situation.

You see we must balance things in life, if you focus too much on one area, bad things tend to occur in the other area giving results you did not expect. You are then left scratching your head trying to figure out what on earth went wrong. The answer is usually starring back at you in the mirror.

So in essence the JLP lost to the People Power and truly so, never ignore the masses, you do so at your own peril.

That’s Jay’s analysis.

The extortionist are back in their numbers in Downtown Kingston !

They are out and about in full force in and around Coronation Market and its environs, which is a cause for concern for many given their absence for the last 18 months.

The commissioner and his men need to move quickly to  address this situation before it spirals out of control. At the same time we note with great concern the increased rate of murders despite the assurances from the Minister of National Security that the public should not panic at this time. The Minister needs to allow the cops the freedom to go out and address the problem, as the strategies being used thus far are not effective.

I said last year , after the cops stopped naming persons of interest after public outcry, that this crime problem would re-emerge and so said  so done. JFJ , which was at the forefront of the cry is not noteably silent despite the spate of murders occurring in the country today , this I find troubling. We simply cannot sit back and allow the situation to get out of  control. Action is needed not NOW !

One would think with proliferation of smart phone capable of capturing pictures and videos, the public would be in a better position to assist the police , but sadly that is not the case in Jamaica.

The  smart phone is nothing but something to “profile” with vs using its awesome powers for something helpful.

HOW IS THE JDIP MONEY BEING SPENT ?

We have managed to access copies of the JDIP progress reports, which shows expenditure  on the various projects . As you go through the documents you will see where the work is being completed, the name of the contractor, sum approved, progress of the work as well as % of work completed, where work has in fact commenced.

In the first report – (June progress report), you will see over $14b dollars of work approved and over $6b spent up to that point in time. You can form your own judgement by reading the reports and see for yourself what is really going on.

This goes a long way in answering questions on my report ” JIDP Questions” published  earlier this month.

JDIP April 2011 Report

JDIP Report May 2011

JDIP Progress Report – June 2011

JDIP July 2011 Report

DIP Progress Summary_SEPTEMBER 2011.ALL-FOR THE WEBSITE

JDIP Progress Report October 2011

Extradition documents about to be served ?

That is the word we are now getting. We understand its just a matter of days or a few weeks at most before these documents are served. We are further made to understand that the President sentencing has been delayed as more and more information has been released to lower his jail time as the singing has gotten louder and louder.

With the JLP now in opposition there is no “blocking” of the pending extradition.

So who are the persons whom extradition warrants are pending?

What’s Portia Simpson Miller fascination with 7′s ?

In 2007 we had the 7′s , now in 2012  we have the following :

700 jobs in 7 parishes, is this by accident or by design?

Is our Prime Minister superstitious or what ?

 

JLP says JEEP is not new, its a stolen JLP initiative ?

In a release last evening , shadow spokesman on Transport and Works , Karl Samuda has lashed the PNP for misleading the people into believing that the 7 x 7  ( 700 jobs in 7 parishes) is new. In fact Mr Samuda has indicated that all the financing had already been secured under the previous administration for this very work that the PM has announced as part of her JEEP initiative.

I have a question for Karl, ” if this was true , why would’nt the JLP make a big deal out of this leading up to the election”?  The PNP announced JEEP was going to allow people to ” eat a food” and Karl and his team sat on $350m for this exact type of work and said nothing. Why are we only now hearing about this Mr Samuda, were there other plans for the money other than its intended purpose?

If you are correct, why would the PM suggest that JEEP was a crash program, Karl its just not adding up.

$340M POLITICAL PORK BARREL !!

Just when we were all led to believe we were turning the corner in accountability, transparency and getting rid of the political pork barrel phenomena, the government has embarked on probably the largest political pork barrel that has ever been conceived in this country.

I was truly embarassed today when I read the selection criteria to be used to select persons to eat from the trough.

Read this taken from the Gleaner.

In the meantime, the junior minister, in the earlier interview, sought to explain how the JEEP would work.

“The selection of the workers is done through the members of parliament from both political parties along with the National Solid Waste Management Authority,” Azan said.

“The MPs have about 640 picks,” he added.

Jolyan Silvera, the MP for West St Mary, said he has included the names of people from all political sides.

“I have always spoken about the inequality that was taking place. There was no proper balance, it was just leaning to one side. I have gotten my quota and I have struck a balance and I think it will work,” Silvera toldThe Gleaner.

50-worker quota

The PNP MP said his quota was 50 workers and, based on consultations with councillors in his constituency, 10 of the people selected are supporters of the JLP, five did not vote in the last election and 35 were PNP supporters.

 

Wow, I honestly thought we were pass this, but sadly I was wrong !

This is a national disgrace to put it mildly,  I never imagined we would see such blatant  display of  political victimization, which does nothing but open the divide between Jamaicans and in so doing creating a polarized society in the process.

I honestly thought the program would be based on the needs of persons ie the poor and destitute who would be getting jobs, now it turns out that all you need to be is a party supporter and ” you gone clear”.

 

CDN$450m solar power plant for Jamaica !

This will be the single largest power plant in the caribbean.

After numerous visits and meetings with administrators and regulators this past year, Solamon Energy Corp. today proudly announced its program to build the largest solar power plant in the Caribbean in Jamaica.  It is expected the program, estimated to cost CDN$450 million, will enhance and improve the nation’s energy infrastructure, as well as serve as a beacon to attract additional investment in the ICT and greentech sectors, will represent one of the region’s first strategic private-public partnerships.

 

http://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/news/stories/01/25/caribbean%E2%80%99s-largest-solar-power-plant-for-jamaica/

Dr Davis says the JEEP is not a “JEEP”

In a radio interview Dr Davis said , what was rolled out yesterday by the Prime Minister as JEEP is not JEEP at all. Instead he said its a rollover of a work program initiated by the former administration.

I am beginning to wonder if  Sister P is becoming as mendacious as brother Bruce, or she was given bad advise from her technocrats, it now becoming a pattern of behaviour by PSM.

Dr Davis credibility just shot up, while PSM just went down.

Political victimization by the PNP Administration ?

We have been informed of numerous termination letter sent to many persons working in government agencies, since the PSM administration took office in Dec 29, 2011. If true, is this the way we can expect to be governed as a people, where you job is dependent on who is in power and which side of the political divide you sit

When can we expect to see an end to this type of governance ?

Portia fails to recongnize the “Jeep”?

One question that was asked of me recently, left me with a chuckle.

“Jay how come Portia, designed and manufactured the JEEP, but failed to recognize it on parking lot”?

I surely could not respond, except to suggest, she may have been given the wrong information on how the JEEP would look in the parking lot or there may have been no JEEP at all.

Maybe the JEEP was simply an idea that never made it unto the assembly line , so when she did see something similar in the parking lot, she shouted ” there is the JEEP ” , forgetting it was only an idea, that never made it to manufacturing.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, AJ Nicholson blunder?

When AJ Nicholson was appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was disappointed because I believed he was the wrong man for the job and I now have been proven right.

In his first interview AJ said ” He wanted to restore Jamaica’s image on the international scene after the “beating ” it took under the JLP administration. AJ instead has sought  to make the situation worse by his own statement as reported in today’s observer.

AJ Nicholson has asked for help in moving the classification of Jamaica from  a middle income society to what must be a “low income” society so we can access “free money”. Is this really the method that AJ plans to “restore” Jamaica’s image on the international scene, if that is the case then he would only serve to sully Jamaica’s image further.

AJ clearly does not understand his role and should therefore resign with immediate effect, he is the wrong man for the job!

 

JEEP to be funded and re-manufactured !

The minister with responsibility for the information in the office of the Prime Minister has indicated that there will be a cabinet retreat shortly, where the JEEP will be re-manufactured and financing will be sorted out.

It lends fodder to the thinking that JEEP was simply an idea that was never properly thought out and was simply election gimmickry by the PNP. Now that the PNP has formed the government and persons are clamouring for jobs, Portia firstly tried to pass off the IDB loan program as JEEP. The IDB official and the JLP quickly spoke out and subsequently Dr Davis issued a statement which contradicted that of the PM.

Dr Davis thereafter revealed that there was not much money left in the JDIP program and as such the 25% of the JDIP funds that were being earmarked for JEEP was non -existent. This has left the government in a quandary in trying to figure out, how to fulfill an election promise and as such, they will be meeting on the weekend to develop a proper plan and a structure for JEEP , where none previously existed.

We await the new JEEP!

JEEP to be scaled back, no funding available?

Is it true ?

More to come later….

Professor David Rowe to head UDC, very bad choice !

If this is true it will be another blunder on the part of this new government. UDC is responsible for huge amount of assets in Jamaica and is considered the richest government entity in Jamaica.

Professor David Rowe financial acumen is at best questionable, which is why he is a very bad choice for the head of the UDC .

This gentleman not only praised Carlos Hill and CashPlus, but actually pumped US$1.5M or $120m into CashPlus and was duped of every cent by the ex-convict , Carlos Hill. The Professsor spent millions on dollars on a ponzi scheme and as such one wonders how prudent he really is in his financial dealings.

Read this article written by the Prof back in 2006

http://wealthmax.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/cash-plus-the-poor-people%E2%80%99s-messiah/#comment-1732

Now read FSC Response

Sunday Herald response-Dec 292006

The Retreat is over, does the Government now have a plan?

The current administration has been fumbling its way around in the last 30days and based on what I have garnered, clearly has no plan. The recently completed retreat was to formulate a short/medium term plan for the country.

The government has still be unable to find funding the the JEEP and is set to go to the local market for a loan to fund the JEEP. If this is true I can only say, ” here we go again”.

Peter is not happy…….

Fitch says Jamaica’s economic outlook is stable.

Fitch credit rating agency has given the Jamaican economy a stable outlook, which is a positive development for the country and seems to suggest that the economic plans laid by the last administration were leading Jamaica in the right direction. Its not all good news, with Fitch linking its rating on the premise that the GOJ will do a number of things such as negotiation of a new IMF deal, public sector reform, tax reform and pension reforms. These were all policies which were started by the JLP and to the credit to the PNP for continuity, which is a problem we have always had after each change in administration.

Jamaica’s ratings are supported by improving macroeconomic stability and its relative high level of institutional strength, which has allowed the sovereign to respond to significant fiscal and balance of payments pressures over the years. Jamaica also compares favorably with peers in terms of GDP per capita and Human Development Indicators (HDI).

The new PNP administration has announced that it intends to negotiate a new agreement with the IMF (as the 2010 SBA ends in May 2012), reign in expenditure pressures, and move forward with policies to reform the tax system, bring public sector salaries under control and contain rising pension costs.

 

See full report.

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/detail.cfm?print=1&pr_id=741820

 

J$4Billion “found” for JEEP !

The finance minister today disclosed that $4b has been “found” for JEEP , he however refused to disclose the source of funds for the JEEP program. We therefore await that announcement.

Similarities in the crises between Greece and Jamaica ?

The situation between Greece and Jamaica are eerily similar read below (taken from Bloomberg). 2/8

Greece will pledge permanent spending cuts, including lower pension payments and a 20 percent reduction in the minimum wage, as the economy contracts this year at a faster pace than originally estimated, according to the draft of a new financing deal with the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

 

Now read what Fitch Rating agency reported on Jamaica yesterday. 2/7

The new PNP administration has announced that it intends to negotiate a new agreement with the IMF (as the 2010 SBA ends in May 2012), reign in expenditure pressures, and move forward with policies to reform the tax system, bring public sector salaries under control and contain rising pension costs.

 

What can we therefore make of the likely new IMF deal being worked on between the government of Jamaica the IMF. Dr Phillips has said on more than one occassion that public sector job cuts are not on the agenda, but is that really true, or his Dr Phillips hiding the bitter medicine?

See bloomberg article on Greece.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-08/greece-to-pledge-20-cut-in-minimum-wage-draft-accord-shows.html

$10B Deficit , but we “found” $4b for JEEP!

What is wrong with that headline?

This is a clue using a analogy.

$10B – $20B = -$10B .

 

Engine for Jeep

Where is our Prime Minister ?

The Prime Minister and her team had an extended retreat last week, to review the  state of the economy and to look at plans for the future of Jamaica. Its been four days since the retreat and we have yet to heard a word  from the PM.

Instead she has left the Finance Minister to fumble his way in trying to respond to the questions related to the funding of the JEEP and update the country on the state of the economy among other things.

I must commend Dr Phillips  for his bravery in telling Jamaica the “truth” about the state of the country, but  he really struggled to explain the funding for JEEP, which clearly shows no proper funding plan exist.

The PM in trying to avoid the media  and the public firstly abandon Jamaica live, where she would take calls and respond to questions from the public. Now she has gone a step further my abondoning “Question time”, which was a program that would allow the PM to field questions directly from the parliamentary  floor without notice and instead has resorted to having the questions 7 days in advance .

The PM indicated she would run an open and transparent government, but she has taken every step possible to make herself “insulated” from any form of questioning, by the public or the opposition.

So I ask, “Where is our PM “?

 

Credit: Jamaica Observer

Who is lying Dr Phillips or Dr Davis ?

Dr Davis two weeks again dropped a boom-shell , when he announced that all but US$1M was left in JDIP, with over half of the money already spent and the majority of the remainder committed to contracts . (US$1M = J$86M)

Now we understand that Dr Phillips has found J$4B or US$46.5M, amazing !

Dr Davis was the former minister of finance and based on his checks  he said he  found only US$1M, now two weeks later the new Finance Minister seemed to have dug a little deeper and “found” an additional US$45 .5M .

Something is not right, you cannot on one hand  tell the public that the money is all but used up and then two weeks later another senior member of the same government is suggesting he has found this huge amount of money. The big question is who is lying, is it the current minister of Finance or is it the former minister of Finance.

We  know for sure that one is lying, I strongly believe I know which one is.

Is this the type of “truth” we can expect to see from the government ?

Gross incompetence in management of Riverton landfill !

We seem unable to manage anything in this country. Riverton land fill has always been a problem and despite that fact ,we clearly do not have a strategy how to address fires at the land fill.

Why are we unable to find a way to quickly address situation like these.

We have a minister of climate change and environment, but we have yet to hear from this individual.

What are the risk to persons, who knows what is contained in these fumes and how do we know what Jamaicans have been exposed to.  Did the Minister instruct his technical to take air samples to complete  air quality check to determine the risk to the Jamaican public.

These are things I expect the minister to be doing in a proactive step to ensure that whatever risk may exist, can be quickly address but the public health sector.

It appears that the Minister of Environment has failed his first real test and  has left the job up to the local government minister who is very visible trying to get the situation under control.

Portia Simpson Miller – a mere figurehead ?

That is the word on the streets as she seems to have left the job up to her colleagues while she attends functions.

1. IMF  Deal – nothing from the PM
2. JDIP – Nothing from the  PM
3. Big Retreat – Nothing from the PM
4. Riverston Land fill crises – Nothing from the PM.

 

When will the PM speak ?

Phillip Paulwell making very good moves!

Mining and Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell seems set to take on the Jamaica Public Service Company and break up the monopoly enjoyed by this utility company.

If Phillip Paulwell is able to achieve , what he did with the telecommunications industry, it will be one of the most far reaching achievements in Jamaica in decades. Mr Paulwell sees energy cost at US$0.18 – $0.20 in just five years , which is really where it needs to be, for Jamaica to be competitive in the global arena.

As an energy expert myself, I certainly wish Mr Paulwell well( no pun intended) and I am only too willing to assist in driving energy cost down to an acceptable level, because right now its way to high. Jamaicans at the same time must become more energy conscious and use best practices to lower their energy cost.

I know Phillip is very serious about this mission and the entire country  stands behind him, ready to take on the behemoth called JPS  and in so doing force them to become more efficient and provide lower cost energy to Jamaicans

Did Noel Arscott lie about Air Quality Readings ?

Due to the recent fire at Riverton city dump, which left many persons with upper respitory tract problems, persons are now questioning the accuracy of the information provided by Noel, who indicated that emission levels were at “acceptable standards”.

Members of the public feared the smoke that was billowing from the dump may contain toxic substances, however based on the checks that were said to have been conducted, nothing was found in this regard.

Noel told us that SO2 and NO2 levels were at ” acceptable level”, but what does that mean. What air quality standards are we being measured by, are we using ASHRAE air quality standards or some other standards for air quality checks .

Now SO2 and NO2 are not the only emissions from a fire, he failed to address probably the biggest one of all and that is “particulate dispersion” in the air. You see, smoke is nothing more than fine dust particles in the air and those levels must be of a certain level to meet international standards, however I did not hear any mention of those by the minister.

The information I have suggests that the air quality  levels were not at acceptable levels and what was presented was done so, to avoid a panic and persons rushing the public health system.

Can the ODPEM state its findings on its own air quality checks , I simply do not trust these politicians.

 

Where is the Minister of National Security ?

The Gleaner today’s headline screams ” Crime beast resurges”.  The murder rate since the start of the year is 137 , which is 24 above the same period last year.

The minister is largely silent as crime is spiraling out on control once again and Jamaicans are getting nervous once again. Mr Minister, what new strategies are to be implemented to get this “beast” under control?

http://www.pnpjamaica.com/index.php/news/pressreleases/453-letter-to-the-gleaner-editor-by-peter-bunting

So Peter what’s the tool to be used?

Courtesy: Jamaica Observer

No quick resumption of scrap metal trade says Anthony Hylton !

 

Trade and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton, says there will be no quick resumption to the scrap metal trade because there will be a need for more consultation. The scrap metal traders however are getting impatient and restive and are questioning the government promises for a quick resumption in the scrap metal trade.

It would therefore seem that despite Anthony Hylton opposition to the closure of the trade when it was done by the former minister and his suggestions at the time on what should be done to keep it open, he has yet to develop such a plan.

This is part of the reason why I refuse to take anything from any politician at face value.

In the mean time traders continue to stock pile tonnes of scrap metal, awaiting the reopening of the trade, which seems to be some time off based on the Minister’s comments today.

 

JEEP going to the dumps!

This was a rather interesting headline which appeared in the local newspaper today. It appears that Noel Arscott elicted much laughter yesterday, when he mentioned that JEEP will be going to Riverton( the dump).

Today many persons have made the suggestion that is where the JEEP belongs.

It seems as the JEEP has become the panacea to Jamaica’s unemployment problems , even though the majority of Jamaicans have no idea what the JEEP really is, more than 6 months after it was annouced.

So will the JEEP be dumped !

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120215/lead/lead41.html