Mr Holness, set your house in order!

There was a time when King Hezekiah was very sick and the prophet Isaiah said to him. “This is what the Lord says, put your house in order, because you are going to die, you will not recover.” You must be wondering why I referred that that story. Since the year began, and even before, the JLP has not been handling internal issues well. Since Mr. Holness was caught up with violating the constitution, he has not been able to keep is party members under control. Every time there is a problem, you can expect to hear it in the news. I am sure that Mr. Holness means well, but we are yet to hear real substance coming from him that the Jamaican people can restore faith in him. Those who were calling for his resignation following the Supreme Court’s ruling, what are they saying now?

Many people think the JLP has failed to distinguish itself as a suitable alternative for the Jamaican people. The JLP has been singing the mantra from ‘poverty to prosperity’, but how many actually buy into it? The Jamaican people have been facing some serious times with the man at street level still finding it hard to make ends meet. Many have lost faith in Mr. Holness and have never ceased to criticise him wherever the opportunity arises. Whenever I read columns from Ian Boyne, he never seems too critical of Mr. Holness. I really hope Mr. Holness can restore hope in the population and regain those who have lost faith in him. I really admire him as a leader but he has a lot of work to do, especially with respect to internal affairs. If Mr. Holness is unable to manage his own party then how can he manage the affairs of the country?

Every chance he gets, he cease every opportunity to point out that the current administration is only interested in passing IMF tests, while they are failing the people test? But Mr. Holness, a word to the wise: ensure that you are passing the people test, because the general election is coming up. It would be sad to know that you also fail the same test you are accusing the current administration of not passing. The current administration has failed to lead by example and their wanton waste of public funds has cost tax payers dearly. If we want to get a feel of how the current administration is performing, then we need to read Garfield Higgins columns on Sundays in the Jamaica Observer. His scrutiny of the current administration is on par and his last column ‘The things this Gov’t does speak’ is a must read. Peter Philips has been doing a fairly good job in his management of the economy and I must commend him, but I believe that there are persons who are part of the current administration that must go!

Mr. Holness has written several articles advocating solutions to issues of national importance, one such was concerning PICA, but solutions and promotion of growth is significantly lacking. Mr. Holness latest, ‘Jamaica needs a minister of growth’ published in today’s Gleaner is a profound article and his analysis of growth is quite legitimate and opens a new light that probably has been ignored. I believe that he is on to something, but what I expected to come from him, was ‘this is what I would have done differently.’ Whilst it’s good to critically analyse the poor performance of the current administration, without giving alternative solutions weakens the overall motive, regardless of how justified it is.

In the final analysis I will say this: To Mr. Holness, the people are dying for an alternative, but you are yet to distinguish yourself as such. As the prophet Isaiah said to Hezekiah I am saying to you, the election bell will ring soon, so put your house in order, if not, ‘dawg nyam yuh suffer’. The word have been spoken, Hezekiah responded positively, how will you? 

A time when it was rolling calves and three foot jacks!

Who remember when their parents or grandparents used to tell them stories about rolling calf? What about three foot jack? Whooping bwoy? I for one used to enjoy them, even though sometimes hearing them would leave me scared and shaken up. My brother and I would sit in the evenings and listen to my great grand uncle telling us stories of rolling calf and three foot jack. The thought was that, if you ever see a rolling calf, ensure that you find a cross road before it does else, you know what. Hearing ‘duppy’ stories was one of my favorite past times, I would look forward to it. Generally, storytelling was an essential aspect of our culture, whether it was ‘duppy’ stories or otherwise. Is it gone forever?

When I was in fifth grade in primary school, whenever the teacher is not in the classroom, my friends and I would get together and share ‘duppy’ stories that our grandparents told us, as well as our own experiences. The most common one would have been the one about a person trying to catch up to somebody because he/she needs company but cannot seem to do so, hence the conclusion is that it is a ghost. The principle of ghost is nothing new per se, even in the Bible you have references to ghost. When Jesus appeared to the disciples after in the resurrection while the door was closed because they were afraid of the Jews, they thought it was a ghost but Jesus said a spirit does not have flesh and bones. The ghost stories were always interesting and exciting to me.

I remember one morning I got up early, about 4 a.m. and look through the window, I saw a car driving on the road and the light shined and two things that appeared to be playing in the road, up until this day, I don’t know what they were, but I saw the car stopped reverse and turn back, I was like what? You may say I was dreaming, could be but I know I wasn’t and what I saw. I had other experiences which I swear I saw ghosts and only God alone can tell me it wasn’t so, but I guess you might say my mind was playing tricks on me. I once asked my great grand uncle, why it is that ghosts are not prevalent as in your day. He replied by saying that because of the introductions of cars and street lights it drove them away and I was like okay then.

I also heard about methods one can employ to see ‘duppies’, but I implore you, do not try them at home. I heard that if you wash you face with rice water, that is the water after you wash the rice, you could see them, also if you put dog matter in your eye, eewwww! I also hear if you used seven rice grain you will see the seven Chinese duppies. I used to hear about the black heart man, who will offer children gifts and take them way to sacrifice them. These stories were legendary. But now, ask any child if they know about rolling calf or three foot jack, then ask if they know about candy crush, subway surf and temple run. Smart phones, tablets, laptops and social media have consumed them, and they miss out on the fun that I use to have. Those stories bond families together, but healthy social relationships, that is all the past, I guess the black heart man has retired and we have found some way to get rid of the duppies. Oh when it was about rolling calves and three foot jacks!

Did you like this article? Help build the audience by commenting and sharing this article on various social media sites. 

Is world peace possible?

What does it mean to build peace in our hearts and minds? How does it relate to the world around us? These are indeed thought provoking questions, can they really be answered? Can we really build peace in our hearts and minds? And if we can, how does it relate to the world around us? I have been struggling to come to grips with what his happening in the world around us. Not that I am surprised but that it can scare you to know that a man can just put a bullet in your brain just because he doesn't like you. It is a shame to know that human being, homo sapiens, who is said to be above other species in thinking and reasoning is doing such cruelty to one another. I would to love to wake up one day and see on the news and in the papers, "World peace at last!", but I guess that is fairy tale, mere fiction, something that will never come to reality. 

With acts of terrorism and hundreds of people been killed, we are left to wonder when is the next genocide, forgive me for thinking negative but the status quo gives me no choice. But how can we build peace in our hearts and minds? I think one of the biggest barriers to this is ourselves. If we cannot see others how we see ourselves that it can never happen. Building peace in our hearts and minds being one with nature, fully connected by engaging the mind, body and soul, and to seek holistic development. It means that we all envision a world independent of war, violence, crime, hatred and work towards it. It means we will first, love ourselves and second, spread that love throughout, so that others can feel it, be touched by it so much that they cannot contain it and as such, burst open and spread it to others.

Once we can build peace with our minds and hearts, then we will be inclined to spread it throughout the world. Like a disease that spreads, we will replace what is wrong, with what is right and that is peace and love, forgiveness and honestly, all the qualities that will make each individual exception and irresistible. The question is asked again, what does it mean to build peace in our hearts and minds? Do you have an answer, what say you?  

Are politicians the biggest scammers?

In Jamaica, scamming can be no doubt placed in the top ten highest paying jobs. The way it has been publicized, it has now been considered as a career that children wants to pursue. Children are encapsulated by the type of life that scammers live, the big house, the nice car and the lavish lifestyle have consumed them. When we take a look at print and online media sources, time and time again we read that scammers have been caught and investigations are ongoing. A few have been convicted and some are still doing their thing. The question I want to ask is what do we think of scamming?

A dictionary definition tells us that a scam is fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit. I will not explore the reasons why people scam because that is, I think, self-explanatory. I am not so fully knowledgeable of how the scamming thing works entirely, but the little I know should be able to capture the essence of where I am going. Now, a scam works by tricking people of their money and in return promise them goods or service which could be in form of a prize or something tangible that is of worth. A scammer will call persons and convince them that they have won millions of dollars in cash and prizes, but in order to claim it, they have to pay a ‘processing fee’. After they send that money to whoever, they receive nothing and never hear from that person again. How would you feel?

Considering other things like Ponzi schemes such as cash plus and Olint. Those ventures caused persons to lose a woefully and it affected many lives. Even today people still have not recovered from those schemes. Today people are finding creative ways to scam people, even their own. A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Ponzi scheme organizers often solicit new investors by promising to invest funds in opportunities claimed to generate high returns with little or no risk. It is a carefully orchestrated financial scam that is completely illegal.

How is it that Ponzi schemes were able to, and can still flourish in Jamaica? Hear what Delano Franklyn had to say “First, known and reputable persons and institutions were involved. A list of the names of the institutions and persons published by the FSC indicates that even persons who propagate the highest form of ethics and moral values in the society were involved in the collection of funds, some of whom are now on the run from people who are demanding repayment.

“Second, the high level of informality which exists in the Jamaica economy. Studies have shown that the size of the informal economy in Jamaica is almost 50 per cent. This informal economy is characterised by a 'hussle' mentality. It operates above, around and under the regulated economy. Its culture is one of anti-regulation. It settles its own scores where there are differences. It is not class or social specific. All types are involved, the rich, the poor, the social, the anti-social and big and small businesses.

“Third, the existence of selective morality and ethical values in the country. The owner of a business in Jamaica has no difficulty conspiring with another to extract electricity from the Jamaica Public Service, but rightly, calls in the police if an employee is caught stealing; a provider of professional services has no difficulty operating two books in order to avoid the payment of taxes, but complains bitterly about the irregularity with which his garbage is being collected; and there are persons among us who have no respect for planning or building laws. They build anything, anywhere.” (Jamaica Observer, April 25, 2012)

Having considered the whole notion of scamming and Ponzi schemes, I have been considering the question, is politics the biggest Ponzi scheme and politicians the biggest scammers? Look at it, politicians promise to do this and that and in the end, collect a big pay check and do nothing for the people. Look at how the government works, it collects people tax money, yet they do nothing for them in return. At the end of the day the people are scammed out of their hard earned money. Which politician doesn’t own a big house or drive a decent car? Which politician know how it feels to can’t find food to eat? The poor is getting the worst end of the bargain.

On April 30, 2014, the Jamaica Observer carried the headline “PM promises over 21,000 jobs in 2014/15”. The article stated “The prime minister, who was speaking in the Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, explained that close to 80 per cent of the jobs will be created under the Government's minimum wage emergency works scheme, the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), and its rural food production-boosting agro parks development programme.” Did that actually came to fruition? Were 21,000 jobs issued? Is politics one big Ponzi scheme? What say you? +Mario Boothe

Homosexuality, Compatibility and Mothers' Day

As we explore the essence of motherhood, it is critical that we take to time out to respect all the hardworking mothers who have worked assiduously to ensure that their children get the best possible care and are successful in their various endeavors. However to talk about what makes a mother worthy of honour would be endless. As we explore the issue at hand, let us consider a brief history of mothers’ day.

Brief History

“Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service. Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.”

“The roots of the modern American Mother’s Day date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War (1861-65), Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

“The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Homosexuality

Homosexuality is simply attraction to the same sex. Many times, these people’s lifestyles are considered as unnatural and they continue to be despised. Hatred towards them have led to many of them being abused and many use violence against them. The Christian religion is one of the biggest challenge to homosexuality. Those who are strictly against them are considered as fundamentalists. Today, we have homosexuals in the very church that despise them. In some countries and or states they are allow to get married. Tolerance towards gays have been slightly on a rise in some countries and or states. They should not be allowed to be abused, they should not be subjected to violent treatment or discrimination, they deserve better because they are humans first and homosexuals second.

I do not wish to bring my personal beliefs in this discussion but must I say that I am a fundamentalist so I need not to say more, but I wish to see them being treated for the human beings that they are with dignity and respect. They are different, we might not agree with their lifestyles but that does not mean we should treat them as less human. We might try to convince them otherwise but it’s their choice so let them live how they want to. In Jamaica, violence against homosexuals do exists, but I refuse to believe that we are homophobic as portrayed in the international community. Sometimes these gays take it too far, and I would implore them to behave better. Some of them harass people and think that they can get away with certain things. Not so! They hide behind the buggery law claiming it stops them from accessing health care – rubbish!

Gay marriage compatible with mothers’ day?

Can homosexuals (gays) factor in the celebrations of mothers’ day? Are homosexual relationships a direct threat to the traditional concept of the family that we have accepted for years? When we have two men in a relationship with a child, which does the child consider as the mother? Is that family structure robbing the child of that motherliness structure and comfort that they should receive? The typical dictionary definition will tell you that ‘mother’ is a “term of address for a female parent or a woman having or regarded as having the status, function, or authority of a female parent” can that definition apply to the current and new trend that we have been exposed to?

The flip-side to it is equally important about women and fathers’ day, but I would not get into that, exploring one side should convey the idea. Many people question the idea of such a family structure and the arguments range from religious to secular. Why do gay couples have to depend on straight people to have access to a child? The mere fact that they have to be dependent does that mean that something is dead wrong with the concept? With respect to lesbians, they are able to have children, be biological mothers, but don’t they have to depend on men for that to happen? The gay couple without women cannot have access to children and the lesbian couple with men cannot have access to children, is that enough to show them something must be wrong? Why the dependency? If something is the natural order of things, does it have to depend directly on other factors for it to work? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless of how feminine a man is in a gay family it can never to be equal to that bond that a child would have established with a female mother, however, it is the way it is. These are some thought provoking questions to a real issue worthy of discussion. The questions are asked, what is your answer? 

Note: The brief history is extracted from History.com Url - http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

The PNP virus: A new epidemic...

In 2014, Jamaica ranks 85 of 174 countries on the corruption index by Transparency International. Let me start by saying that this is a bad state to be in. Corruption drives away investors, and that is bad for any country. The current PNP administration knows nothing about accountability. And the failure to remove non-performers from high places are negligible. Like Ebola, a new epidemic has revealed itself in Gordon House and it is called the PNPVLS – People’s National Party Vision Less Syndrome. It is caused by a virus that once it enters the body it goes straight to the brain, and eats out that part of the brain that interprets vision. As such, a person who has this disease cannot see non-performance, corruption or lack of accountability. Depending on the stage of the virus, type 1 includes when one cannot see one of the three and type 2 includes when one cannot see a combination of the three. This virus is a deadly virus and is costing Jamaicans millions.

It seems this virus has no cure, or no treatment. A person can live with this virus for an entire lifetime and is unaware that they have it. It can be spread through direct contact with the person or via the air. The symptoms include: failure to get rid of non-performers, have a tendency to defend non-performers, failure to see a corrupt colleague, has no idea that someone is wasting public funds, refused to adhere to the voice of the public, resist change, and having no clue what is happening at street level among others. The virus has infiltrate Gordon House because clearly most if not all have shown some signs of these symptoms. Will there ever be a cure or treatment for this disease? I hope so.

A few persons have caught this disease and I am wondering who else is going to catch it. The main person who has this disease is the PM. She refuse to sack Philipo Paulowell, Fentonian Ferginsono, Eastoni Douglas and was trying to defend Jennifera Edwardso for her handling of the Riverton City Dump. The NHT has been on a rampant waste of public funds, as revealed by the Auditor General. Clearly Jamaica is feeling the effects of these people who are either not performing, not accountable or corrupt. The Auditor General also revealed that the Ministry of Education was giving out illegitimate contracts. Then we hear about a former Mayor who award family members and close friends contracts and or money amounting to over three million dollars. How can we get better, and these are happening under the PNP administration.

It was Garfield Higgins that wrote well informed and extensive column in the Jamaica Observer showing us that the PNP knows nothing about accountability. Is it that it just happen to be that way? No, the disease has taken it roots, eating out the brain slowly but surely. How a virus does works? The concept is simple: “Viruses lie around our environment all of the time just waiting for a host cell to come along. They can enter us through the nose, mouth or breaks in the skin. Once inside, they find a host cell to infect. For example, cold and flu viruses will attack cells that line the respiratory or digestive tracts. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, attacks the T-cells of the immune system.

Regardless of the type of host cell, all viruses follow the same basic steps in what is known as the lytic cycle:

1. A virus particle attaches to a host cell.

2. The particle releases its genetic instructions into the host cell.

3. The injected genetic material recruits the host cell's enzymes.

4. The enzymes make parts for more new virus particles.

5. The new particles assemble the parts into new viruses.

6. The new particles break free from the host cell.

All viruses have some type of protein on the outside coat or envelope that "feels" or "recognizes" the proper host cell(s). This protein attaches the virus to the membrane of the host cell. Some enveloped viruses can dissolve right through the cell membrane of the host because both the virus envelope and the cell membrane are made of lipids.

Those viruses that do not enter the cell must inject their contents (genetic instructions, enzymes) into the host cell. Those viruses that dissolve into a cell simply release their contents once inside the host. In either case, the results are the same. (Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.). It is sad, but I hope that it will not spread, because I sure don’t want it.

Top five worst performing ministers

It is amazing to see what has been happening in Jamaica. I continue to lash out on the Westminster system that I consider as a plague to Jamaica. Only in Jamaica we have people who are not qualified for a position, leading that position. As such, I am going to examine the top five worst performing government ministers in Jamaica. Please note carefully, this list is based on my personal opinion, therefore it is subjected to change. As such it may differ according to persons.

#5 Peter Bunting

According to JIS “The Hon. Peter Buntingwas appointed Minister of National Security on January 6, 2012. Since his appointment he has embarked on a strategic programme of policy reform at the ministry to address Jamaica’s national security challenges.”

He is a man that was heavily criticised for his ‘divine intervention concept’. He has a plan, he has employed community policing strategies and we see that the crime rate has been reduced last year. However, is he fit for the Job? I think not. I understand that we have a lack of resources, but the crime rate since this year is alarming. He has failed to give Jamaicans that assurance of a safe Jamaica. More needs to be done, and he has not fulfilled the role effectively because clearly the evidence points otherwise.

#4 Anthony Hylton

He is the minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce. He was the one who is responsible for the development of logistics in Jamaica. In his Sectorial Speech of 2011, he spoke adamantly about the logistics hub and his plan about revenue optimization, jobs, and opportunities from this venture. However, we are yet to know the progress about that venture. His portfolio is critical to the development of Jamaica, significant with respect to growth. He has failed to give any substantive report on all the initiatives that he promised years ago. Some has not even started. He has failed miserably to be effective in his portfolio

#3 Noel Arscott

He is the minister of Local Government and Community Development. Time and time again, columnists have lashed out on him. The local government is in shambles. Look at our roads, lack of street lights, lack of infrastructure and the recent Riverton controversy with Jennifer Edwards speaks volumes. “I cannot understand Noel Arscott. Neither, I suspect, can Noel Arscott, at times, understand himself. With three years logged at the helm of the local government ministry, Arscott appears no closer to finding his best stride as the most accountable individual in the ministry or, indeed, as a member of the most powerful decision-making body in this country. Arscott comes across as a man who's deathly afraid of his own ideas, to the extent that he forbids himself from generating any. This lack of confidence in himself renders Arscott incapable of being assertive and forceful in his role as minister, and makes him a prisoner to the ideas and suggestions of advisers and consultants, who take advantage of the fact that they have a Cabinet minister who they can manipulate. Puppet on a string is what Ken Boothe would call him” (George Davis, Gleaner Columnist, March 18, 2015)

#2 Phillip Paulwell

He is the minster of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining. To list out all the things that this guy has done since he has been in that office is not feasible. But just to make a reference to his handling of the EWI bidding process is enough to capture his incompetence as a government minister. Following that controversy. Jamaica was calling for his resignation. Yet being the Prime Minister that she is, we know she would not sack Philip “youth exuberance” Paulwell for what he did. He puts Jamaica’s integrity into question within the international community. To get a detailed piece on his failure just look up Garfield Higgins Column “What else must Paulwell do wrong?”

#1 Dr. Fenton Ferguson

Dr. Fenton Ferguson is the Minister of Health. Without a doubt, he is worst performing minister in Jamaica. Shall is also say that worst is an understatement? His handling of the ChickV speaks volume to his failure as a minister. He is the only minister that has a record call for his resignation from John public. Recent statements by the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association President Dr. Alfred Dawes are a disgrace. “PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Medical Doctors' Association (JMDA) Dr Alfred Dawes has charged that medical doctors are being given 'scandal bags' instead of surgical aprons to do their work in operating theatres in the ailing public-health system that is pleading for much-needed attention. And if that were not enough, Dawes charged that operating theatres are anything but sterile in an environment that is teeming with fung.” (The Gleaner, May 2, 2015).

Will they improve? I don’t know, what say you?

Islamic State: Militants 'kill 300 Yazidi captives'

Several hundred Yazidi captives have been killed in Iraq by Islamic State (IS) militants west of Mosul, Yazidi and Iraqi officials say.

A statement from the Yazidi Progress Party said 300 captives were killed on Friday in the Tal Afar district near the city.

Iraqi Vice-President Osama al-Nujaifi described the reported deaths as "horrific and barbaric".

Thousands of members of the religious minority group were captured last year.

It is not clear how they were killed, or why this has happened now, says the BBC's Middle East editor Alan Johnston.

Many are reported to have been held in Mosul, the main stronghold of IS after the militants swept through large areas of northern and western Iraq, and eastern Syria in 2014.

Yazidis, whose religion includes elements of several faiths, are considered infidels by IS.

Thousands fled to the Kurdish-controlled region of northern Iraq after IS captured the Yazidi-populated Sinjar district in Nineveh province.

Hundreds of men were killed, while some Yazidi women were held and used as sex slaves.

In other developments on Saturday:

a car bomb exploded near a popular restaurant in Baghdad's predominantly Shia Karrada district, killing at least 13 people

at least six Iraqi soldiers died in a suicide car bomb attack in the town of Garma in western Anbar province

IS pushed back

The Yazidi Progress Party's statement, quoted by the Kurdish Shafaq News website, condemned the latest incident as a "heinous crime" and called on Iraqi forces to free those still held by IS.

In January, IS released some 200 mainly elderly Yazidis into the hands of Kurdish officials near the city of Kirkuk.

Many of them, held in Mosul, had disabilities or were wounded, though no reason was given by IS for their release.

In recent months, IS has been pushed back from some of the areas it captured, though many Yazidi villages are thought to remain under the militants' control.

In December, Kurdish Peshmerga forces drove back IS militants in north-western Iraq, relieving a long siege of Sinjar mountain where thousands of Yazidis had sought refuge.

The Iraqi government, with forces backed by Iran, also declared it had taken back control of the city of Tikrit in April.

Extracted from - BBC News May 2, 2015 

BBC News

The Most Honourable mi foot!

The word honorable comes from the Latin word honorabilis which comes from the Latin word honor. A dictionary definition of the word honorable is “in accordance with or characterized by principles of honor; upright or worthy of honor and high respect; estimable; creditable” (Dictionary.com). Now in Jamaica our politicians or government ministers are called the most honorable. Now by replacing the definition we get something like ‘the most worthy of honor and high respect; estimable; creditable Portia Simpson Miller’ but is that the case? What is estimable or credible about some of them? And what hurts me most, is that they are considered the ‘MOST estimable or credible’, most credible mi foot!

Gordon House is filled with non-performers, incompetent leaders, corruption, and people who continue to waste public funds costing tax payers millions of dollars – lack of accountability. The number of scandals and corruption that has been recorded on the part of government ministers and by extension the government itself, call into question the idea of most worthy of honor and high respect. What our government is doing is a disgrace to mankind, and a disgrace to Jamaica. Because of some of them, Jamaica is constantly being viewed negatively in the international community.

“Outside of Finance Minister Peter Phillips, Justice Minister Mark Golding, and junior minister in science, technology, energy and mining, Julian Robinson, it is hard to find a real performer in the present Cabinet.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton has decided to lead the country down the garden path with Krauck and Anchor -- aptly called 'crown and anchor' on social media -- while his boss, the prime minister, simply sits there and allows it to happen. She does this because she is apparently not interested in leadership. She only wants to reign” (Mark Wignall, Jamaica Observer Columnist, April 30, 2015).

“Former Lucea mayor to know fate

Shernet Haughton is being sent to the political knackers, and rightly so. Why was similar treatment not meted out to A J Nicholson, Richard Azan, Dr Fenton Ferguson, Phillip Paulwell, and others? I feel no sympathy for Haughton. But is it that she is what a recent Newsweek Magazine referred as 'easy peeps'. Our country is rapidly being destroyed by the governance of too many who have the least ability. (Garfield Higgins, Jamaica Observer Columnist, April 26, 2015).

When we have these kind of persons leading us, what is honorable about them? We have a government who does not know what accountability means. Let us look at just the common persons in society. Being a leader requires a person to be honest, trust worthy and looks out for the best interests of those whom he/she serves. You are expected to be a role model, one who motivates and encourage, and one who is different from the rest. A teacher, who students look to for leadership on a daily basis, has to be careful of what they do, say, and how they react in particular situations. He/she does not want students to lose respect for him/her.

In the workplace the leader has to be effective, and sometimes that is the real difference between public and private entities. In the public context, one can be corrupt, incompetent and not performing and gets away with it but in the private context, that is not so. Only in Jamaica we have that type of system which is a plague to our nation. Our Westminster system is a curse unto us. Where people are ministers of portfolios and their qualification is incompatible with the position. Other countries put us to shame. The Prime Minister of Trinidad fired a cabinet member to behaving badly in public, would that happen in Jamaica? In Rwanda, ministers have to sign a performance contract – where they must accomplish something by x time, and if that is not met by that time stipulated in the contract, they have to go. Can that happen in Jamaica?

We are so comfortable with non-performers and incompetency. Recently a young man insisted that the brightest minds should be government ministers, even if they are not part of the political party in power – not a new concept but he received backlash and that shows how we refuse to challenge our status quo, to change traditions so that we can move forward. Our country is put to shame when compared to other counties vis-à-vis accountability and corruption. And we have leaders who claimed to be the most honourable? Most honourable mi foot! If you want to see honourable look at Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, he alone put Jamaica to shame!

A the PNP 'mash up' Jamaica?

The political landscape in Jamaica is sight to behold – a disaster. The two party system in Jamaica has not benefitted us in no shape or form. I am no political loyalist, but I am concerned about my island Jamaica. Politics have destroyed our beautiful island. It is predominantly filled with corruption, poor performance and incompetent leaders. We have persons heading organisations that are critical to the growth of the country who are not qualified for the position. Easton Douglas has not experience with respect to running financial institution, neither is Rev Garnett Rooper, he has no qualification in terms of running a transportation company. Yet they are chairmen of boards. According to my reading, it seems to be that they have the position because they are party loyalist – which seems to be a substitution for competent people.

The Peoples National Party has been the longing serving party in Jamaica. “Our country is rapidly being destroyed by the governance of too many who have the least ability…The wanton waste of public resources is the hallmark of the PNP now in power for 22 of the last 26 years” (Garfield Higgins, Jamaica Observer Columnist, April 26,2015). Since the PNP has been in office, there has been a rampant waste of public funds. The NHT/Outameni brouhaha is typical examine. And to go further, we remember the exuberant phone bill by Junior Minister Arnaldo Brown - exceeding one million dollars. There are a plethora of examples that can be referred to.

The debt to domestic gross product (GDP) ratio has seen little or no improvement under the PNP administration. A recent report says that there was an increase in the unemployment rate – a whopping 7.5 per cent. “The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting a 7.5 per cent increase in the number of unemployed persons in January 2015 compared to January 2014. It says in January, the number of unemployed persons was 188,100 - an increase of 13,000 when compared with 175,000 last year January. The unemployment rate for January 2015 was 14.2 per cent compared to 13.4 per cent in January 2014. In particular, the unemployment rate among youths aged 14 to 24 years was 34.5 per cent for January 2015. This was an increase of 1.2 percentage points when compared with 33.3 per cent in January 2014.” (The Gleaner, April 30, 2015)

That is not good, the Minister Thwaites claim to be passing the people test. “Thwaites says persons may say the government is busy passing IMF tests but not the people's test. However, according to him, a good education which is available to all, is the ultimate people's test.” (The Gleaner, May 1, 2015). No minister Thwaites that is not the ultimate people test. The ultimate people test is when people have jobs, when they are earning and able to put bread on the table. When people can boast about that, then you can say you pass the peoples test. Your administration have failed miserably clocking an excellent ‘F’!

Let us look at political history and see who the performing party is, or to put it better, who we think is the better performing party. “The case can be made that, in terms of economic indices and the lessening of overt political tension, the Seaga Government of the 1980s did better than the Manley Government in the period before. Some will even say that the P J Patterson run from 1993 to 2006 featured an understanding that the geopolitical space had changed and Patterson made a good attempt to fit in, while others like me will say that his administrations failed miserably in latching on to the global growth and development and taking our country much further than actually happened.” (Mark Wignall, Jamaica Observer Columnist, April 30, 2015).

That is quite surprising, one man is of the opinion that the JLP (Lead by Seaga) did better than the ruling party (PNP) before it. What say you? Let us forward to 2015, what do we have to say? “With that understanding, can we sincerely say that the Portia Simpson Miller Administration, in the over three years from early 2012 to the present, has been better than any three-year period of the Patterson run from 1993 to 2006? No, we cannot. Not if we are honest with ourselves.” (Mark Wignall, Jamaica Observer Columnist, April 30, 2015).

PNP has been in power more than any other party in Jamaica and as was established 22 of last 26 years. Can we say that we are better now than then? Can we say that there have been any improvements in the last 26 years? Aren’t we still at the same place if not worst? Since the PNP has been in power more than any other party is it safe to say that it’s the PNP that destroyed Jamaica? Maybe, maybe not, what say you?

Animals put humans to shame!

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." - Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa

Let me start by asking this question: What is happening to our nation’s children? There have been a march in Clarendon against the violence against our children, and there is also another march that was organized by Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). I think that is a good initiative but I also think it is not enough.  Parents ought to be more responsible and stop neglecting their children, stop selling them. Our society should know the value of children and stop senselessly killing them. When I examine how humans are treating their own, especially our children, it makes me wonder. It shows that intelligence doesn’t necessary mean that we are better than other species, for clearly in the animal kingdom, the young must be protected at all times, what of humans? We should be a shame of ourselves! Let us examine how the young are protected in the kingdom Animalia:

Elephants

Elephants give new meaning to the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child.” The baby ends up with an entire herd of mothers, all of whom take turns watching over each other’s children. The term for these other female elephants is “allmothers” and they help ensure the newborn's survival by taking the load off of its mother. It frees her up to rejuvenate and obtain enough sustenance to provide milk for her child.

Tamarins

It might not take a whole herd, but in the world of tamarins, it does take a couple of men. Tamarins split the parenting duties a little unevenly, requiring the males in the group to do all of the heavy lifting once the baby is born. Tamarin females have a statistically high rate of twins, and after the hard work of birthing the tykes, both the father and another male will step in to raise them. They team up to carry the kids around and protect them, only requiring the mom to feed them on occasion

Alligator

When a female alligator gives birth to her litter, she spends the next year of her life protecting her babies from other gators looking for a snack. A lot of the time this means corralling her kids into her mouth— yep, sharp teeth and all! — to protect them.

Emperor penguins

Emperor penguins go to great lengths to care for their children. After giving birth, the female emperor penguin will leave the family behind to replenish her body at sea, leaving the father to take on all of the parental responsibilities. For two months, the father will carry his egg around on his feet and forgo eating until the mother returns. When she does, she’ll regurgitate some of her food for the baby, while the father takes his turn out at sea. Cooperative parenting at its finest!

Orangutan

The bond between an orangutan mother and her young is one of the strongest in nature. During the first two years of life, the young rely entirely on their mothers for both food and transportation. The moms stay with their young for six to seven years, teaching them where to find food, what and how to eat and the technique for building a sleeping nest. Female orangutans are known to “visit” their mothers until they reach the age of 15 or 16.

Cheetah

Cheetah mothers raise their young in isolation. They move their litter—usually two to five cubs—every four days to prevent a build-up of smell that predators can track. After 18 months of training as hunters, the cheetah cubs finally leave their mothers. The cubs then form a sibling group that will stay together for another six months.

Having looked at all of that, what of us? “We are in grief and shock over the execution-style murder of three schoolchildren in Clarendon last Wednesday night along with 35-year-old Marquis Hamilton in the Monymusk neighbourhood. The three promising students, 14-year-old Ricardo Briscoe, 14-year-old Raymond Givans, and 16-year-old Alex Turner were made to lie face down and shot in the back of their heads by two gunmen.” (Jean Lowie-Chin, Jamaica Observer Columnist, April 25, 2015). That is what we are doing? Intelligence makes us no better in animal kingdom, we should be ashamed of ourselves.

The Elephants are the one that I admire most, the concept of “all mothers” is quite astonishing. But what of Jamaica. “Santoya Campbell, a 14-year-old Westmoreland girl, went missing on January 26 and her body was found, two days later, stuffed in garbage bags under a bridge. According to grief-stricken relatives, Santoya, who was a grade eight student of Frome Technical High, did not reach school after leaving her home early the morning she went missing. Following a post-mortem it was found out that Santoya was pregnant.

Similarly, another 14-year-old girl, identified as Kayalicia Simpson of St Thomas, was hacked to death and her mutilated body dumped metres from her house on March 3. Police reported that about 5:00 am that day, the grade eight student went outside her house as she prepared for school. About half-an-hour later her body was found lying face down in bushes close to the one-room wooden structure in which she lived” (Jamaica Observer, April 25, 2015). We were told that the mother knew about the killer, and that she was the one that arrange for her child to seek money from him. Intelligence makes us no better than other species, we should be ashamed of ourselves.

"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." - Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa

Desperate times, call for desperate measures

Earlier this year, two 14-year-old girls faced similar fate as 12 year old Jamelia Johnson. According to a report “Santoya Campbell, a 14-year-old Westmoreland girl, went missing on January 26 and her body was found, two days later, stuffed in garbage bags under a bridge. According to grief-stricken relatives, Santoya, who was a grade eight student of Frome Technical High, did not reach school after leaving her home early the morning she went missing. Following a post-mortem it was found out that Santoya was pregnant.

Similarly, another 14-year-old girl, identified as Kayalicia Simpson of St Thomas, was hacked to death and her mutilated body dumped metres from her house on March 3. Police reported that about 5:00 am that day, the grade eight student went outside her house as she prepared for school. About half-an-hour later her body was found lying face down in bushes close to the one-room wooden structure in which she lived” (Jamaica Observer, April 25, 2015).

Now we turn our attention to another child, whose nude body was found in bushes close to a river near her home in Williamsfield, near Riversdale in the parish of St. Catherine. This begs the question, what is happening in Jamaica? Why our children? An autopsy was done to determine of the child was pregnant because that seems to be a trend. However, the results would have us to believe that it was not so. Residents are simply getting frustrated and need answers. All the government seems to be doing is sending condolences to the bereaved family. That is not enough! We want to hear what is going to be done about it. According to the report the people took matters in their own hands.

“Yesterday, a group of angry residents, after learning about the little girl's death, went to her family's home and set the house on fire. The child's mother and grandmother were also attacked by the mob and had to be escorted from the community by the police. The group claimed that it was neglect by the family that led to the child's death.” (Jamaica Observer, April 25, 2015). Imagine that, people took matters in their own hands, and resort to extreme measures because they are adamant that it was neglect by the parents that led to the death of Jamelia. I would not say that I agree with their approach, but I can say that I agree with and understand their frustration. This goes to show that when the government fails to do what they need to, the people will continue to behave in such manner.

Parents have been very neglectful and I think this cannot continue. Santoya mother knew about the relationship with her daughter and the man who took her life. What did she do about it? How many more houses will be burnt down for parents to start being more responsible and caring? How many more attacks by mobs will it take for parents to see that their neglect putting Jamaica’s future is jeopardy? The people attacked the mother and grandmother, was it justified? No. Was it the right approach? No. Then what is?

It is quite sad that this is what it has come to. My heart aches just thinking about our children. What happens next? What does the word safe means? What about protection? Does it mean anything to us as a society? Will it ever stop? Will it be a new trend that just pass by? Will it be a case where every death of a child cause a national outcry, then that’s it? We need to check ourselves. Each of us has a role to play, so let us play it.

A new slave trade in the 21st century... Madness!

According to BBC news "Hundreds of people are feared to have drowned after a boat carrying up to 700 migrants capsized in the Mediterranean sea, the Italian coastguard said. A major rescue operation is under way after the vessel capsized in Libyan waters south of the Italian island of Lampedusa. Speaking through a translator at a news conference, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the trafficking of migrants amounted to "a new slave trade". Is that really true? Is there a new slave trade that is slowly but surely arising yet hiding from the public? Who are the masterminds of the network? Are there any efforts to dismantle it? There are so many questions that need to be answered.

700 people is quite a number and I can imagine that in number you have men, women and children. To lose their lives in that manner would have been but a sad situation. I wish all efforts are made to destroy this criminal network, and to find the missing people. In our modern era, slavery should have been none existent, but it seem not that case. But human trafficking continues to be a plaque not only in certain countries but by extension a plague on humanity itself. History will tell us how people suffer because of slavery. Today, people will stop at nothing to make money, with little respect for the lives of others. Will it ever stop? we do not know. Italy has been doing all they can and I hope other countries can join forces together to dismantle this criminal network. Hear what PM Matteo Renzi has to say. 

Should a country forfeit individual privacy to achieve national security?

Do you agree? Disagree? Watch high school debaters goes head to head. Munro College vs. Glenmuir High School

Debate Match

Could communism work for Jamaica?

Cuba has asked Obama to remove them from the state sponsor list of terrorism and as such, Obama has moved to grant that request. It is said that Cuba has been one of the many states that practice some form of communism government. As such, they were seen as violating of human right. At least most of the states that has some form of communist concept, the international community has placed sanctions on them in hope that they will ‘conform’ and change their ideals. Countries such as Venezuela, North Korea and Russia, the international community has placed sanctions on them. But I would like to examine some of these countries that have some form of communist concept and examine how those countries are doing in terms of growth and other critical areas.

In China, there was a mass demonstration by the people protesting against their government that they would like the right to select their leaders – insisting on having a democratic government. We are yet to see if any result had come from that protest but the people were quite frustrated for whatever reason. Let us face it, China has become a world power, having one of the fastest growing economy in the world, which means you have less poverty, good health care and education system. China is a first world country and they did not automatically become one, the leaders had a vision and they did it their way – communism. A political scientist from china made mention that there isn’t one way to run a country and that is true. While democracy works for some country, communism works for others, would it work for Jamaica?

One of the main aspect that I would like to focus on is the crime rate of some communist states. Cuba has one of the lowest crime rate in the western hemisphere. Singapore which is a guided democracy – having some form of communist concept, has one of the lowest crime rate in the world, along with China and Rwanda in Africa. If you also look at these countries corruption levels, it is also among the lowest in the world. It also goes without saying that some of these countries has one of the best economies in the world. Investors flood these countries, what of Jamaica? If we really look at other critical areas these countries are leading globally. I am not being envious, nor am I saying we ought to adapt every policy from others, I just simply want to see Jamaica being place on a path of growth and prosperity where the citizens feel safe. In recent times, crime in Jamaica has been shocking! Could communism curb the crime monster? While communism work for others, it doesn’t work for some, would it work for Jamaica?

Truth be told, we are a very indiscipline nation. We need to develop a level of discipline and I don’t believe democracy will achieve such. Japan is a democratic state and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but democracy in Japan is not democracy in Jamaica. The democracy that exists in Jamaica is one that is poor, and failing. I cannot say definitively if communism would work for Jamaica but clearly democracy isn’t working. Many will say that it is the incompetency of our politicians that is the problem and not democracy because you can have democracy with competent leaders. While that is true, the flipside to that is democracy is the reason those incompetent persons are leading. I strongly support communism but because it usually comes with some violation of human rights, I don’t think it is ideal. However, if it would make me feel safe, live in a discipline country that is growing, I think I could work with that.

The Singaporean model seems fine, it is called a guided democracy – really close to communism. The truth of the matter is, if we can have leaders who are competent, who understand growth strategy and advancement of the people then it can work. As much as how Rwandan president has been chastised for human rights violation, you have a low crime rate, a disciplined nation, a growing economy, less poverty and more jobs. But with our current system, communism wouldn’t work for Jamaica. Alternatively, what I suggest is having term limits on these politicians because there is no way you should have a politicians serving up to until they are 80 – rubbish!  Our political landscape needs to be change, our government system need revamping, the Westminster model has overstayed its welcome, we need something new, something fresh, but the status quo seems that it will never be challenged. In the final analysis the question still stands, would communism work for Jamaica?

Terrorism, fear, horror... in Jamaica?

On Wednesday night four persons were killed in a community in Clarendon, three teenagers and 35 y-old man. It is alleged that perpetrators attempted to rob the boys as they were coming from the gym and when their demands were not met, they killed the young men in cold blood – execution style. The commissioner of police Dr. Williams says that there is a reward of J$500,000 for any information that could lead to the capture arrest of these criminals. When did the hearts of men become so cold? What could have been going through their minds when they commit such an act? Could it be that these activities transcends merely our view of human wickedness and tap into the realm of spirituality – demonic activities. Earlier this year, an eleven year old was shot and killed in cold blood, an eleven month old baby was killed while his mother was bathing him. In a matter of two weeks, two fourteen year old teenage girl were killed and then it was then discovered that they were pregnant.

Additionally, an eleven year old girl was found to be pregnant, allegedly raped by her uncle. When I examine what is happening in my country I become so paranoid, day after day I live in fear – wondering what will happen if I simply walk on the street. It is like I am actually living a horror movie. The word safe has slowly but surely lost it meaning and the sad reality is that what happened to the four persons killed could have happened to any one of us. What really got me spiked was the fact that in January alone, more than 100 persons have been killed, yet our security minister told us we need not to be alarmed. What nonsense! Question, do we have terrorist among us?

It was the UWI, Mona that released a study that show that half of Jamaican youth are willing to give up their citizenship for better opportunities overseas. What is that saying about this country? Mark you, I am very much proud of my country – as our culture is respected world-wide. We are known for producing world class athletes and our reggae music is highly respected. However, Jamaica is not the place it used to be. When I was a child, I used to enjoy the stories my great grand-mother would to tell me about the then Jamaica of which she existed. It is just not the same. Our crime rate makes us a country that attracts less investors, an aspect that is critical to the growth of any nation.

When you think about it, our children are in danger and that means our future is in danger. As a country we have failed to protect our precious treasure. Children must be protected at all cost. Let us look at the animal realm. Have we ever seen how a dog protect its young from what it deemed as predators? Have we seen how a chicken protect its young from predators? Nature itself tells us how precious they are, but it seems humans have it the other way around. Our vision 2030 wants to make Jamaica ‘the’ place to raise families, at this rate, that seems unlikely. Jamaica is not what it used to be. If we do have terrorists, what reason is there for us not to fear?

I cannot account for the pain that these mothers must be facing as a result of the acts of the criminals. They need to get justice, they need to know that these criminals are hunted day and night and the police will stop at nothing to catch them. No amount of word will comfort them, justice will. While nothing will bring back their children, at least they deserved to see the perpetrators punished for their heinous crime. We are a very corrupt nation, our political environment is disastrous, and we are indiscipline. A recent report stated that Jamaica is running one of the worst austerity budget in the world so I find a recent report from the IMF surprising that says “Jamaica’s growth forecast was slightly lowered for 2015, but surprisingly it still beat the average growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to fresh data from the island's multilateral lender the International Monetary Fund (IMF).” (Jamaica Observer, April 17, 2015). Jamaica is not the worst, but that does not mean we should settle for mediocrity. Jamaica indeed lack resources to effective tackle crime. We lack the technology, man power and creativity.

I believe these acts that have been occurring since recently are acts of terrorism. While we do not have a massacre as there was in Kenya, what is happening here has some characteristics that resembles those acts. And we need not the wait until it reached that far for us to see that something is definitely wrong. The church has been so silent on these critical issues and this a cause of concern. We need to cry out and demand more of our government, we need more of our nation, our people and ourselves. The culture of silence must change and we need to find ways to put these criminals behind bars. I call for justice, do you?

Innocent blood is crying out in africa

Since the brutal attack on a university campus in Kenya’s northern town of Garissa, much discussion in local and international media has put an emphasis on the untimely response to the attack by Kenya’s security agencies, and of the general lack of an effective counter-terrorism strategy. I find this disturbing due to the fact that not only does the Kenyan Government failed in employing effective counter terrorism strategies but there have been little support from the international community. Discussions and outcry alone cannot cut it, as that will serve as futile vis-à-vis a challenge to the status quo. The people of Kenya and Nigeria has been crying out for too long and I am tired of seeing them being neglected. When the  twelve persons were killed from Charlie Hebdo Satire newspaper in France some time ago, there was an international outcry, a march which attracted leaders from around world, yet during that same time extremist groups killed hundreds in Nigeria and nothing came out of it - imagine that!

Some African countries have been growing economically since recently, while some countries are still lagging - having poor education and health care systems, insufficient resources, lack of jobs and poor political systems. Extreme poverty is dominant in some African countries, where thousands of children died because starvation. Most African countries have failed to be integrated in this globalized and technological world. This has a significant contribution to how some of these countries have been able to effectively employ counter-terrorism strategies as defensive measures. These extremist groups have been shedding innocent blood without a case. If the US is able to Help Iraq and Iran dismantle Isis, why is it that they have not gone to these African countries to offer the same level of help to protect the African people in these countries? Would there need to be a genocide for us to see the threat that these extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram poses to their immediate environs? Are the African people less than the twelve killed in France? Are these extremist groups considered less of a threat to humanity and human rights than Isis?

How does Al-Shabaab does it? According Ngala Chome in his article "Countering Al-Shabaab’s narrative in Kenya’s fight against extremism" he stated that "Abdirahim’s story teaches us at least three key lessons. First, that the commonly-held belief that Al-Shabaab recruits only from disenfranchised and marginalised youth is faulty. Second, the view that radicalisation happens to someone, rather than it being a process the radicalised actively chooses to participate in. Last and perhaps most important, we cannot persist in viewing Al-Shabaab as an external threat to Kenya’s peace, but as a manifestation of the impact of unaddressed local grievances. It is under the latter context that Al-Shabaab has successfully taken advantage of Kenya’s existing fault lines to draw membership (and sympathy) to its side." I too believe that these groups recruit university students  who are specialist in specific areas. I believe that they have an intelligent network consisting of bright minds so the recruiting transcends the mere concept of marginalized  youth.

However, is it  that its because African countries have not cried for help why none is being offered? I do not believe that the case. Saudi has been helping out Yemen to fight the Houthis extremist group without Yemen asking  for help. Whatever the case nay be, the international community has failed miserably, and they should step up and do more for these African nations. Innocent blood is crying out, children, women, men  are dying without a cause. While I encourage and welcome the outcries, protests and discussions, I prefer a more practical approach to the situation. In the final analysis, Ngala Chome laid down the following recommendations: "It is this current state of affairs that needs a re-examination, in addition to and in complementing intelligence efforts and effective counter-terrorism measures. Existing fault-lines need to be bridged, historical injustices genuinely addressed; and alliances with respectable members of the Muslim community made so as to promote the already existing form of Islam that has always been peaceful and tolerant. The latter can, and will act as a buffer against growing radical ideologies originating from outside the region."

Will ISIS ever be no more?

A recent BBC news article titled "Iraq 'retakes over quarter of Islamic State territory'" stated that "

Islamic State (IS) has lost more than a quarter of its territory in Iraq since the US-led coalition air campaign began in August, a Pentagon spokesman says. Col Steve Warren said it was too early to say the tide was turning, but that air strikes and Iraqi ground forces had "unquestionably inflicted some damage". This is a news that is welcoming to the ear, Isis have done so much irreparable damage. People have been killed, civilians have been forced to flee their own countries, economies have been severely affected and they are in control of some of the major cities in Iran, Iraq and Syria. It is clear that some progress have been made but will that trajectory continue? Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi wants the coalition to step up its air campaign against IS. Having seen that Iraq has claim 20 - 30% of its territory through the air campaign against IS, Prime minister al-Abadi wants to take it a step further, to step it up a notch. But will that be enough to suppress ISIS?

I commend them for their efforts and their progress. It was earlier that some members of Iran's army declared that they do not need help from the  United States, but PM al-Abadi has a different view. He has sought help from the US and as such, there were provision of resources, man power and training for Iraqi soldiers. Isis is not the only extremists group present. You have al-shabaab and Boko Haram, but ISIS has proven to be the most powerful. Air strikes  can to just do so much and no more but its not all safe haven, it will take more than that to get any real result. According to BBC analyst Jim Muir, "While coalition bombing has helped contain and damage IS, only troops can push it back. The Kurds, both in Iraq and Syria, have proven by far the most cohesive forces in doing that. The structural deficiencies in Iraq's army, and the controversy over the use of Shia militia, may limit the extent - and extend the timeframe - of further advances against IS in Iraq." This might include more man power from the US or any other country willing to help. Let us face it, US has one of the best armies in the world and effective resources. Therefore, I find Iran's statement of needing no help from the US quite troubling.

One of the questions that needs answering is what will become of the other extremist groups who are reigning havoc all in other parts such as Africa and Yemen? Counties such as Syria and Yemen are struggling because of the rise of extremist groups. The Houthis has taken over Sanaa, Capital of Yemen and the prime minster had been for to flee. Currently, the economic situation in Yemen is disastrous because of this extremist group. It is a common thought that Iran is backing this group but the occasionally deny the accusation. Saudi Arabia has stepped us and launch a air campaign in Yemen against extremist groups but it is currently causing conflict between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. An article in the New York Times titled "Tensions Flare Between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in U.S. Coalition" stated that "A remarkable clash between two key American allies in the Middle East burst into the open here on Wednesday as the Iraqi prime minister publicly criticized the Saudi air campaign in Yemen and a top Saudi official retorted that there was “no logic to those remarks.” This should not be happening now. Now is not the time to start up tensions and conflicts but to work together to achieve a common goal - to suppress these extremists groups. We also learn of what Boko Haram has been doing in Africa, and the recent massacre in Kenya by Al-Shabaab, however, help in Africa is quite negligible and I find that most troubling.

With this conflict flaring up, it is unlikely that these groups will ever be suppressed. We can, at least, compromise, put aside our differences and work together for  even greater results. People are being killed, lives are being destroyed, the time spent on unnecessary conflicts are robbing people of their lives. Under these circumstances, leader are to think about the people and not about starting up tensions that will get us no where. The article quoted PM al-Abadi saying “The dangerous thing is we don’t know what the Saudis want to do after this,” Mr. Abadi said. “Is Iraq within their radar? That’s very, very dangerous. The idea that you intervene in another state unprovoked just for regional ambition is wrong. Saddam has done it before. See what it has done to the country.” To me that is rather being paranoid than having a legitimate concern. Saudi Officials insists that the airstrikes have been effective and measures are being put in place to minimize damage to civilians. Yemen is in dire need of help, that is a fact and Iraq has their own troubles to deal with than to offer help.

I would really like to see the day when Isis is no more, but until then. I will continue to watch, to see the outcome of numerous efforts to suppress them. Let us hope and pray that things will be for the better, some day.