BY R.D.

The unexpected recognition

“First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win,” Mahatma Gandhi.

Even though recognizing Rastafarians for peace, safety, self-sufficiency, or humanism was a symbolic act. However, it has the potential to open a previously closed door to a far broader discussion about this culture that is long overdue.

Even if you’re not wearing dreadlocks and looking from the outside into this culture, it is, however, much more than just “One Love,” which has frequently eclipsed a continuing desire for absolute amalgamation.

Furthermore, the Jamaican government acknowledgment did not imply that any Rastafarians (Rasta) would take a more active communal role in a task force dedicated to violence prevention or any other safety measures that are desperately needed in many communities.

Many locals argued that the administration had run out of public safety options to deal with the rising crime rate. Others argued that it was long past time for their way of life to be recognized as a model.

Even though the fact that this acknowledgment could have a domino effect and appeared welcomed news, it falls short on many fronts in terms of what needs to happen next to open the doors for upward mobility for this culture.

What next, and who holds the key to a seat at the table.

According to reports, Antigua and Barbuda West Indies also apologized for decades of hostility and exclusion of this culture in the Americas during a 2019 speech

However, little has changed in terms of more Rastafarians playing a prominent and expanded role in the political system since then. As a result, like many others, I began to wonder, “What next?”

Despite their predicament, it appears that it needed an increase in violent headlines to notice them and their way of existence, as well as a blueprint for change.

I believe it is critical to include the Rastafarian culture in an economic upward mobility panel since poverty and social division are frequently accompanied by areas of violence and, as a result, community breakdown.

However, I will attempt and present my case beyond the chatter.

Outside of Ras’s kitchen, it’s time to take a closer look

As seen in many impoverished and developing countries, each new or rotating elected leader appears to hold the previous administration accountable for the advancement of these countries, regardless of the political party.

Unfortunately, economic uncertainties have plagued these communities for decades; including many victims of crime. It has widened the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

As many scholars have pointed out, the only consistent gains seem to be only these leaders to emerge financially wealthy, while the oppressed future remains stagnant with each passing day.

Is it time for Ras to pass through the leadership house in order to bring in a new way of governance, a new generation of leaders that aim for inclusion, peace, and economic prosperity for all?

Beyond the dreadlocks, there is a reality.

Though the public announcement is being viewed through a political lens, I see it as awareness. For example, an increase in domestic abuse awareness or public safety in general, tolerance, or equality should be applauded regardless of the messenger.

Recognizing Rastafarianism, on the other hand, is not something that can be summed up in a tweet, advertisement, or sound bite. There must be a secondary fundamental plan for inclusion.

For decades, the Rastafarian culture has persisted, and beneath the locks and systematic isolation for decades, they have been a force in the arts, medicine, and academia, making significant contributions to our society.

After a century of fighting and struggle a quick trip to Ras’s house

I am not a philosopher, nor am I attempting to explain the origins of my opinion, but please take your R**s) hand out of their hairstyle and foot off the man’s neck

Rastafarians in Jamaica began promoting the authority of Selassie’s teachings over King George V in the mid-1930s, shortly after the inauguration of Ras Tafari as Ethiopia’s Negus, or “King of Kings”.

Jamaica was formerly an English colony, and the movements faced enormous resistance, according to scholars).

In the 1940s and 1950s, many branches were established, led by Leonard Howell, a former member of Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association who was imprisoned for preaching its culture.

Unfortunately, reports indicated that the Jamaican government viewed Rastafarian ideology as dangerous, subversive, and a threat to social norms at the time.

Rastafarians were relegated to be seen as deviants who should be rounded up like slaves from another planet. Until now, cultural isolation has created an oppressive mentality that has created tension and mistrust in authority.

For over a century, their opposition to imperial power and refusal to be marginalized have kept them in the shadows as social outcasts throughout the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

According to research, Rasta made many black people’s anguish a focal point of their consciousness in order to break free from slavery and neocolonialist chains and return to Africa.

This is by no way one should imply that this hero was a violent man. It was good trouble as John Robert Lewis, an American statesman and former civil rights activist who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until he died in 2020, is one of my heroes.

He was such a supporter of good trouble that he dedicated his entire life to fighting segregation from the 1880s to the 1960s “Jim Crow” laws. Looking back, the Rasterfreian movements were ahead fighting for equality, such as Paul Bogle’s 1865 uprising.

Sadly reversing these quiet decades’ mentality of social distancing will not be possible overnight, and total autonomy from colonial rule necessitates more than just scholarly papers; it necessitates a paradigm shift:

The struggle for mental shift and the drumbeat of equality continues to this day.

Some of these local leaders may not have even looked at what they were wearing since they were so concerned with their image, but it’s never too late to make a mental adjustment.

Unfortunately, some institutions across the region still operate in the manner of a scene from George Orwell’s best-known novel, 1984: Animal Farm: “All are equal, but some are more.”

History has given the once-colonial state of Jamaica and others in its system a pass on how they were humiliated and treated on these shores and in other places that may have been exposed to the decade of hostility.

Unfortunately, full acceptance of the architectural class system necessitates a mental shift back to the classroom.

Some argue that there is a rationale for keeping them as outcasts, not because of what they know and can contribute to society, but because of their outward appearance.

This rule undermines public trust and, in my opinion, contributes to the perpetuation of the class system.

Rasta, it appears, must speak far too often to demonstrate his intelligence and is frequently seen by their dreadlocks before exploring their brains.

According to some sources, even the education minister, Karl Samuda, refrained to comment on the verdict, which occurred on the eve of Emancipation Day, a day commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, which is honored in Jamaica and elsewhere.

Taking a step back and feeling the Rasta vibes:

Rastafarians have been a pillar of social equality, peace, brotherhood, environmental preservation, liberty, resistance, independence, and universal love. They have been a critical voice for poor, black-oppressed Jamaicans, and others globally.

Though local cultural struggles persist, it is clear that Rastafarianism is not a clearly defined area, but many people across all races can identify with their passionate vibes that have gravitated to their values and peaceful lifestyle.

“Rasta is passing through,” reggae superstar (Jah Crew) said in one of his songs.

Morgan Heritage of the reggae band said in one of his songs, “you don’t hiffi dread to be Rasta.”

Though some of us have invested in razors or barbershops, we do not wear dreads because we live in a world where some rules are defined for us, which we accepted with a signature for our economic stability, but we are Rastas in our approach to life, where peace, love, and humility remain.

Any visit to one of their locations is a testament to their perseverance, tenacity, and unwavering love in situations where others would have given up.

There are numerous stories about how comfortable the accommodations they frequently provide for an extended or temporary stay on these shores are.

The Rastafarian rules would be useful from these data:

Although violence is common in the region, it is a public health concern.

Reports have shown for more than a decade that some Caribbean and African nations that have embraced the culture are among the top ten most violent, with an average of more than 30 deaths per 100,000 citizens.

Rastafarians possess a wide range of abilities, qualifications, dispositions, and competencies, ready to make a difference.

Furthermore, their way of life by spreading peace and love can have a larger influence on areas that are plagued by socioeconomic hardship, political dogma, and violence.

Before I conclude, I’d like to return to the utility of this culture and the positive impact it could have on some of the systemic issues that plague some of these troubled nations.

If the government invests more in this community, their skills may be used to mentor the next politician, doctor, police officer, teacher, counselor, or investment banker.

Like any other institution in the world, it does not require a crisis to recognize that wherever Rasta people live and work, there will always be some level of peace (One Love).

Another method of attribution is to compare the number of Rastafarians with criminal records or who are incarcerated to their population.

According to reports, even when some Rastas are incarcerated, their recidivism rate is lower.

Often addressing crime and other social-economic issues is frequently entwined in the complexities of politics, law, culture, and economic status.

Rastafarian movement culture and context are more than just growing political dreadlocks or smoking marijuana. Today, their peace-making practices may be the most effective way to calm these turbulent seas.

Welcome Honorable Prime Minister, Ras

What might the Right Honorable Prime Minister (Ras administration) look like?

At the very least, I plan to distinguish Rasta’s first 100 days at work.

Many of the local jobs on these coasts have been established primarily through foreign investments and imports, according to economic data, and where self-reliance and locally manufactured items have dwindled, and replaced by processed foods.

Many experts have expressed concern that some could result in long-term community health issues.

What might Prime Minister RAS’ agricultural legislation look like today?

I believe The Rasta administration will implement a bottom-up approach, encouraging local production and restoring greater self-sufficiency.

In order to eliminate bias, and corruption, and promote diversity and public safety, a diverse board that represents everyone at the table, from the farmer to the sanitation worker, academia, and those concerns a top priority

Their message of change will be consistent with their agenda, not merely what is popular in sound bites to get elected and alter direction.

Many leaders continue to look at the “Reparation” debate through a monetary lens.

The approach of Prime Minister Ras may not be about the size of a bank account, but about a mental shift away from hopelessness, crime, and women’s upward mobility for the next generation especially the youths.

The ground will be made holy again, protecting not only life but also economic growth by promoting peace and prosperity, honesty, stability, calm for all, and respect for humanity.

Yes, the movements existed and grew prior to August 20, 2012, when rapper Snoop Dog changed his name to Snoop Lion in response to his interest in Rastafarianism.

Yes, there are reports of some things happening from the modernization of roads, technology, and infrastructures being built, but are you moving forward and who benefits?

BY R.D MILLER

Confronting reality for a quick shot in the arm.

BY. R.D.

The unexpected phone call, but will it create momentum?

Many organizations, led by Black Lives Matter use the occasion to seek a wide reversal of laws and policies that they said had damaged local communities of color socially and economically for decades.

This global reckoning on race relations has become deeply nationalized once more, but this time much beyond one race or group, which has resulted in seismic transformations.

The question of how long it will persist is still unanswered.

Nevertheless, the domino effect, some corporations that benefited from discriminatory practices dating back to slave ships have embraced symbolic gestures to acknowledge their past.

Scholars have identified many financial and insurance corporations throughout the world, and it is no secret that slavery was at the heart of capitalism.

After 130 years, Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben’s Rice, and Mrs. Butterworth all changed their logos, which many argued were a racial stereotype of blacks.

Today’s global racial equity cry, on the other hand, is not the same as the recent women’s me-too campaign, in which women spoke up about inappropriate pervasive sexual approaches, harassment, and rape by prominent men, and swift action was taken.

Storm North finally made it to the beach.

Many parts of the Caribbean catch a cold when other large economies sneeze, but even if they are the only few droplets of sniffles or selective outrage, others argue that it is past time.

Despite the fact that many Caribbean islanders bravely replied to the world media’s recommendations, it was a positive step forward; but, what will it take to generate momentum and maintain a sturdy anchor that can be drifted?

Furthermore, local managers who generally oversee enterprises in the region that once benefited from these ships have been called to resign as a result of criticism, fury, and inaction.

Unfortunately, despite educational and economic progress, many people on these beaches remain socially disadvantaged, and they cannot afford to tear down, block, burn, or vandalize, demand a meeting, or block some access to a building.

Many people would like to participate in these activities, but these few remaining locations are the only source of survival. Some risk their lives to eliminate an attempt to project a departure from its past.

Few will admit that the ongoing fight for equality and equity is not only against the impact of colonialism but also against class stratification, local poverty, inequality, which still exists on many of these coasts among persons of the same skin tone.

Colonial occupation has left a legacy in which only a new path of economic reconciliation for all will establish the first step.

Unfortunately, some leaders are unable to decide whether or not to protest, with whom to protest, or what structure to erect in order to steer this ship toward necessary reform.

As it stands, there is still a generational divide and a battle over who will benefit the most from not only an apology but also other forms of compensation.

However, it appears that addressing this issue will necessitate more than tweets, likes, and attempts to silence messengers based on political affiliation.

Youths, the community, and political alliances will need to provide fundamental support, education on this troubled history, as well as accountability to ensure that elected leaders do not lose hope, remain objective.

Furthermore, stay motivated off camera and to make the best decision for all, because change can only happen when people speak up together.

A delicate dance for equity:

If any of today’s buildings, contracts for imported goods and services, ports, and manufacturing are owned by foreign investors who will sit at the reparation table, me-too may not represent the oppressed.

Though there appear to be echoes of microphones, this does not imply that a closer look at its past is not planned; however, who is willing to speak up or be invited remains an open question.

Can they all afford to protest vehemently and how do you bite off the nervous hands that are only sustaining you?

And, if, as reported many of these islands’ debt levels exceed their economic output, with significant inflation and unemployment, where do you begin to negotiate, do you criticize them, or do you strike a deal?

If the Caribbean’s “me-too” response is for “reparation” or a unilateral economic package for better schools, education, acceptable healthcare, higher salaries for public workers, infrastructure, and new manufacturing businesses, it will be a great start.

However, like the ocean, openly addressing reparations for enslaved men and women is a matter of ideological waves as to where, who, and when any economic tides would touch its beaches that needed a new course first.

Some argued that, while eliminating several debts for many Caribbean islands would be beneficial, mental rehabilitation from slavery, regardless of independence or financial compensation, would continue to be a psychological drain.

Many lives would have been saved by a cost-effective and collaborative me-too for the opportunity to travel to other islands for correct diagnosis and necessary medical care rather than waiting weeks for urgent surgery or test results.

This pandemic has had an impact on tourism, which is one of the Caribbean’s most important economic and cultural businesses, and if one wins in fighting these issues and is willing to help the less fortunate, everyone will win on many other issues.

However, it demonstrates a lack of cooperation in the economy and security. It appears that who has a firmer grasp on the pandemic for the next terrorist money, or who had the most slaves, or who was the first to have a larger piece of this illusive reparation pie.

Unfortunately, if local reports continue to show widespread corruption, mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, and a system in which no one can agree on whether it will rain or which party is less corrupt in controlling these islands, it will complicate any future settlement.

Furthermore, with reported millions of dollars in debt owed to foreign investors, it’s almost as if you’re in a football game down 3-4 touchdowns with two minutes to go and the opponent has the ball.

Where does the Caribbean begin in terms of social and economic justice for Afro-Caribbean and ethnic minority groups?

In dealing with this new movement, it will come down to type leaders who tell the truth about the number of infected individuals, fatalities, and the true reason of death, rather than who delivered it there, for the benefit of all.

Again, it is a step in the right direction, but as of now, there are more questions than blueprints to begin building collaboration to make the case, as previously stated.

Lifting the anchor is a careful process.

As a result, I warned against painting all nations seeking this reversal with the same brush, because the slave ships that carried many to this reckoning, while constructed of the same iron and chained to the same anchor, currently have different navigation systems.

It is not just about resettlement, re-distribution of land to the poor owned by elected officials or the top one percent of the rich, removal of colonial images from a local church window, lower interest rates on predatory loans, a new police station to combat violent crimes, and reported corruption or political alliances that only create a stalemate.

This reconciliation will not be based on skin color alone or widespread economic needs, or gender equity. It’s possible that the people brought to the tables are only interested in how much pie one can keep in their social class in order to keep their advantage status.

Unfortunately, many affluent islands and other impoverished and developing nations that have obtained an education and are now successful enough to buy their way into the upper crust have a lot of bourgeoisie-conscious colonial mentality.

To keep their standing, some will conveniently, or subconsciously yield power to the origins of colonialism, and as many have argued sometimes for financial or political benefit.

One diplomat commented, ” many are more foreign-minded than foreigners. As a result, any me-too moment for equality will be stymied by this mindset.”

Many people will blame the downtrodden structural difficulties on themselves or anyone who is not a member of the social elites. This, in my opinion, is no different than putting a foot on their necks when they are trying to stay afloat financially.

Though these islands remain a haven to temporarily forget about your outstanding debts and other problems; where the smile remains broad, and the provenance of the slave ships is never in doubt.

There is still a deep socioeconomic disadvantage, poverty, and in some cases, inadequate education, as well as high crime, have been ignored regardless of whatever political party is in control.

Internal political conflict continues, I believe, demonstrating some colonial doctrinal balance that despite independence, or more dependent today.

Is it poor management, or the anchor of a never-sunk slave ship?

A troubled History:

Because this isn’t a history paper, and I’m not a historian, when you consider these concerns and how the region came to be, it’s not just about figuring out how to be compensated, mentally untangled, or financially made whole, but about understanding its history and the complexities that are up against today’s tide.

Today, it is the foundation for understanding where this shadow over the region’s shorelines lies and what it will take to lift this anchor for economic prosperity for all.

Unfortunately, removing 400 years of colonial chains, regulations, and mental detritus that has been wreaking havoc on these impoverished areas like a catastrophic hurricane, creating administrative, economic, and social hurdles to upward mobility, is more challenging than good intentions.

Yes, some will argue that black people sold their own, but I would argue that did they had a choice in the matter and that their economic viability, if not their lives, depended on it, and as previously stated, I am not a historian.

Between 1788 and 1838, workhouses in Jamaica, the most important British West Indian colony, marginalized its population, which hampered the expansion of local sectors such as finance and manufacturing.

Today, many dark-skinned people have greater mobility, which has resulted in more recent free migration elsewhere.

The Caribbean’s hostility tone may have subsided since the cultural prohibitions of black settlement in some areas to interracial sex, which were part of the racial discrimination known as the “color bar” that severely hampered the region’s unique culture and economic growth, but it still resonates globally today.

Putting the pieces back together

Slavery split the territory into many plantations, which developed a protectionist and competitive system, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Today’s islanders aren’t from the sugar cane and coffee fields, and they’re free to travel between them, but some still perceive other islands the same way you do, and if they could build a wall, they would.

After colonial domination, one must take a step back and critically test “Out of Many One People” and any other motto.

The Jamaican Supreme Court recently declared that a student could not attend lessons until she clipped her dreadlocks and that the school did not violate the student’s constitutional rights.

This decision shows that Rastafarianism is often regarded as a social misfit based on an antiquated colonial ideology and that this culture should be performed solely behind closed doors.

How do you achieve a balance if laws still exist 400 years later, and people in power have similar control over their subjects?

As the colonial mentality still remains, the availability of bleaching cream being bought in the region may explain the excess of bleaching cream being bought in the region for acceptance by many.

Regardless of other systematic gaps, acknowledgment is the first step toward socioeconomic opportunity for upward mobility.

However, without the proper leadership and overwhelming community support, regardless of social class, I’m afraid they’ll all be wearing the official insignia, and the newfound “mee=Too” to re-write this checkered past, or perhaps just another gathering when there’s a headline.

BY R.D.

This, like others before it, is an unfinished canvas and a variety of colored bags:

From high crime to low crime, from a growing wealth gap to a shrinking economy, from climatic change to gender equity, from the number of murders committed under the JLP or PNP to the number of jobs created, to the number of promises kept and the number of people who are able to move up the economic ladder, there are a variety of variables that can play a role.

This conflict can be exacerbated by the social pressure of those who are well-connected and wealthy to change or maintain the status quo regardless of who has the keys to Jamaica’s or the people’s house.

The covid effect of this election’s paintbrush

The timing of the election was also questioned by many voters and opinion leaders, but Prime Minister Andrew Holness (JLP) took advantage of the occasion, based on good poll figures.

He is popular, and he has taken a new approach, and depending on the angle from which one sees this moving vehicle and preferred color, some call his plan an old-or new manifesto.

People in these communities have had socioeconomic and crime holes in their neglected paint shops for a long time. The prime minister called for an election based on the constitution in order to try to fix them.

Yes, COVOD-19 has added another level to the debate and opened the door to a wider discussion, distribution of Funds, what business stays open, closed, death tolls, vaccination, who is less or more corrupted-but at the same time, it has provided additional much-needed paint to cover these areas for now until the pandemic can be addressed.

With the COVID-19 fear, easy access to voting sites for the elderly, or abandoned hope and trust in the system, there is reason to believe that citizens who will vote in this election are trapped between a rock and a hard place if they gaze in through these tinted windows inside the community body shop.

However, the battle to paint the nation’s next canvas may not be decided by who won the political debates or who has a better understanding of the country’s needs; rather, as experts have pointed out, the team that is more adept at using social media allows politicians to avoid the more traditional method of directly addressing voters with difficult questions.

It depends on the color you want to see

People on the island are constantly fighting for their socio-economic balance; seeking the right soul for a good government.

The debates over replacing the country’s economic tires, painting, recharging these communities, and repairing damaged parts may boil down to which side is better at telling the truth or lying about what is going on.

They will see these issues through a political prism that is either half-full or half-empty, depending on their political affiliations.

This report suggests that having these foxes keep an eye on the hen house is better than not having them at all.

All of these things are still important in this election. This election is about what they should have done, what they could have done, and what they might have done in the past.

Those who fight should be fighting for the future of Jamaica, the environment, the real trade deficit, the balance sheet, investments, especially for young people, education, corrections, training, and development, and other important economic indicators that will help everyone in the country.

Start painting or sanding down the rust for display.

Even if the PNP’s leader, Dr. Peter Phillips, is opposed to such a demand, a careful balancing act must be performed in asking individuals who have been forgotten to purchase another ticket for their economic future.

While each ship’s melody is distinct, they both herald the arrival of better days. The other ship, according to both of them, is also in troubled, murky, and choppy questionable waters.

The fact remains that politics is a game of cat and mouse, and in this part of the world, it’s a fight of the titans between two powers looking to expand, or gain no matter what the conditions or justifications, or rationalizations may be.

Unfortunately, regardless of the circumstances, or excuses, when a country’s life is put at stake for personal political gains, horrible things usually follow, but we are still hoping for the best.

As I have said before, rebuilding will be a big problem for the new leader. This election pandemic is going to get even worse as people use it to their own advantage at the expense of people’s lives.

COVID-19, economic stagnation, crime, poverty, and the COVID-19 Blame Game will all get worse.

As long as there are down-ballot candidates who are running, it is more likely that the candidate who lost will run into an iceberg, even if the other person on the other side is friendly.

The only certainty is that the winning party will need a majority because there is no room for compromise, even if the messenger on the other side still has the respect and admiration of his or her community

Dented and painted different versions of the same vehicle?

Since driving and navigating political tribalism is challenging in a well-tuned engine, voters may choose to stick with an incumbent, who benefits from his or her position of familiarity and the resources available to present a more positive picture than reality.

Sadly, as it seems, governmental power is rarely based on real accomplishments, but on personal time served in a cabinet and popularity, resources to paint a better picture than reality.

Local politics is frequently compared to a contact sport in which only the strongest survive. After the political colorful game is over, the economic stains will continue, with injured community players sidelined due to unemployment from being on the losing team this season.

However, some will me but building new connections in maintaining their power and wealth, while others with camouflage colors that have been impeding upward mobility.

The impact of COCID-19 on navigating students who may face distance learning in rural areas without resources; they, too, will be looking for a new coat of paint, or a victim, wonders if their number will be called on a resolved case

Unfortunately, it appears as though only political leaders and the well-connected circles are advancing economically. No one has a monopoly on the best vehicle.

One political side has dents, the other with missing paints, and the oppressed are constantly squeezed by decades of promises, distrust, and ineffective management, as well as a lack of upward mobility.

It has been a pattern for decades, and many studies have shown that Jamaica ranks high on the corruption index when compared to other nations, and it supports
many elders argue that politics is where many people who should have been public servants go to become wealthy and the cycle continues.

The color that is missing while leaders shine:

While the rhythms may vary, they are all recorded on the same vinyl,” one person contended.

A desperate frenzy that pits communities against each other for a short-term sense of happiness can make people feel like they’re stuck in a body shop.

People who have been neglected and bumped for years are stuck there, waiting for someone to fix their dents from years of collisions, and socioeconomic rust

Regrettably, Jamaica, like many other impoverished and developing countries, is governed by a kleptocratic government following an election.

Despite their humble origins and democratic election, several of them have earned enormous riches.

Numerous studies have revealed that they govern with a charismatic style; frequently use their political authority to build personal riches, including those of close allies and family members; and are tremendously affluent after they leave office.

Many have relocated to gated enclaves, professed patriotism, and continued to wield political power in order to safeguard their profit margins.

Numerous commentators assert that the politics of that country, as well as those of other underdeveloped and growing economies, share some resemblance to Chinese investment in specific sectors.

They come in attractive bundles, but in exchange, there is an imbalance that costs these people more money, while they gather minerals and other natural resources, and little will change after the contracts are signed.

They are anticipating a fresh blend:

There is a lack of women in political posts, civil service, business sector, and academia in Jamaica and many other poor and developing nations according to academics.

They must work with other women, regardless of political beliefs, because they are the backbone of this country and the lifeblood that determines whether these paints shine for future generations or rust.

This political election will not significantly reduce COVID-19 the following day, crime, violence against women, better medical care, lower unemployment, increase bed space, or provide new life-saving equipment.

As the region continues to navigate choppy waters, I hope that after these colorful events, everyone can come up with a color scheme to renovate the country.

On this beautiful island, it will take more than party dedication to see hope triumph over fear and reality triumph over fiction.

Will the finished product be enjoyed and benefited by all?

Despite the colors, social media blasts, likes, and yes, for many who sit on the side, some of whom may not live in the country, and are part of the decision making; the only question that communities should be asking is whether they are better off today or envision a future for the next generation.

However, this election may come down to a single issue, “safety,” which is a public health issue, because the data on other systemic issues have been there for decades, and the best speeches will not change that.

Jamaica is not without flaws, but it is a vibrant place full of opportunity and hope.

Change must start at the bottom and work its way to the top.

Whichever color is elected, the government must address a number of overlooked rusts that weave a new upward mobility pain for long-term development, thereby reshaping the country.

I don’t have a vote, no financial interest, and no candidate, but I like the colors and hope for a better canvas where everyone can stop by, feel safe, find inspiration, and the possibilities are endless.

They must remain positive until everyone can truly enjoy these recycled photos, adding their own color for both the country and personal success, as this shore seeks to choose an image of better days between a rock and a hard place.

Jamaica will rise and prosper, but who will be less tarnished, or who will bear a permanent stain, to navigate these ostentatious waters, roads, and hills?

BY R.D. Miller

Balance while addressing the other public health crisis

When it came to the shores of the Caribbean Islands, it also highlighted structural discrepancies in many medical systems’ readiness and access to cheap healthcare, as well as in other poor and developing countries.

Given the magnitude of the economic damage, experts believe that many nations will face a difficult recovery in the coming months, if not years.

Furthermore, the overall strength of many economies will necessitate more than a mask, particularly in impoverished and developing countries where the tourist industry is vital to the local economy and accounts for a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It exhibited the same waves of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety as other locations, and because no one is immune, compliance will be up to the residents until a vaccine is discovered.

Whoever looks at it can determine what is true.

Pay-as-you-go healthcare was already beset by problems that appeared to have outgrown the system’s aging population. COVID-19 has also highlighted the delicate balance that exists between public and private treatment in terms of whether patients have a better chance of surviving.

Effective pandemic management is vital, no matter what the disputes are.

This is not an indictment of the system, but decades of failed socioeconomic policies cannot be washed away or deflected, nor can they produce a single party capable of resolving these challenges, as some assume.

However, it has exacerbated tensions between local businesses, tourists, curfews and public safety, and the long-term economic viability of the country.

A wide range of issues, including the safety and well-being of front-line workers, research into the best method for restricting transmission, and the economic impact, were also brought to light by the outbreak.

Whatever the debates, effective pandemic management is critical despite the reported tensions and a delicate balance between local business operations, job losses, tourism, curfew, public safety, and long-term economic sustainability.

People who worked hard to fight this deadly disease behind the Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] and away from the cameras and press conferences were and still are the doctors and nurses who did their best to keep it from spreading any faster than it already has.

To move forward, epidemiologists and the local communities must figure out how deadly the coronavirus will be, how many people are sick, and the exact number of deaths that have been documented.

The delicate political maneuvering

Experts have noticed for decades that social upward mobility has been a major structural challenge, regardless of which party is in power. Even my grandmother’s recollections helped shed light on a couple of the main causes, which I’ll go into more detail about in a moment.

However, it may take more than a few vaccines for the region to recover and enjoy this beautiful environment, from the other issues also not just for the well-connected and wealthy but also for those who are frequently left behind.

The COVID-19 pandemic is being accompanied by a second hidden epidemic.

For the sake of gaining a larger perspective, I approached this essay or statement of view like an academic term paper.

This, too, necessitates a national daily conference, such as COVID-19 strategies, because it may have claimed more lives than COVID in the same period.

While COVID-19 has compelled numerous people to stay at home, many residents in gated communities were already mentally confined before the epidemic, with steel bars put on some properties serving as a constant reminder of security concerns.

As some leaders have argued, these issues may have an external influence, such as drug trafficking and the importation of illegal firearms, which may have an impact on the situation.

Crime, on the other hand, usually requires a lot more cooperation from different groups to stop criminal businesses. What are some of the internal motivators?

While local law enforcement has been unable to attribute the surge in violence to COVID-19 or any other external factor, the outbreak has the potential to reach pandemic proportions.

Trying to avoid stigmatizing people with mental health disorders and homelessness, especially in countries where the subject has a history of being ridiculed, taunted, and consigned to the margins of the public eye.

Another question is, given the epidemic, how many facilities could have dealt with any potential problem? However, I’ll come back to this topic eventually.

Foreign travel restrictions can help prevent a pandemic, but a country also needs to vaccinate dangerous areas where crime has persisted.

Local residents may recognize that the Coronavirus and the recent increase in crime rates pose a threat to the economy. But who is to blame for economic downturns brought on by the pandemic or the increase in crime rate, the virus, or the leaders?

Many of these communities will likely continue searching for solutions for many years to come.

Despite the reality that violence is pervasive not just in these places, some regional media outlets compare and minimize it regularly, which is not a solution.

Moral equivalence is conveyed, which conflicts with local crime figures and other socio-economic difficulties.

When it comes to horrifying crimes, many have said that COVID-19 techniques have been adequate, but do they often identify the criminals who commit them?

The evidence is clear on the true cause of death.

According to experts, roughly 40% of the Caribbean population views crime and security issues as more serious than poverty or inequality in their respective countries.

There were 306 homicides in Jamaica between January 1 and March 31 of this year, according to police records. If the current weekly murder rate holds, Jamaica could see over 1,200 killings by the end of this year.

Unfortunately, the region will have the dubious distinction of having the highest murder rate per 100,000 local residents, which is something no civilized nation can be proud of.

Between January and February 2020, over 73 murders were reported in Trinidad and Tobago. If current trends continue, the 536 murders recorded in 2019 will be the second-highest in Trinidad’s history for a single year.

According to several crime analysis reports, the death rate has increased from an average of 31.5.8 per 100,000 people to more than 37.5 per 100,000 people.

A high number of cases per 100,000 people was also observed in English-speaking Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Belize, as well as Latin American countries such as Honduras and Venezuela, according to experts.

These rates are 15 to 30 times as high as those in the majority of European nations.

Bermuda, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, and other countries in the region, on the other hand, maintain lower rates. Naturally, they are smaller in population, and some retain colonial authority with well-managed administrations.

Bermuda had its first murder in two years, with five occurring in 2018 and none occurring in 2019.

Despite claims of drug and firearm smuggling, organized crime, and criminal gangs, these islands have a far better grasp on crime.

A tightrope walker

Local law enforcement personnel who are required to wear numerous hats daily; crucial mediators, advisors, diversity coordinators, youth advocates; group leaders, psychologists, and community volunteers are all caught in the crossfire of politics.

Officers have a significant role in preventing violence and other civil issues in these communities, as demonstrated by the discovery of a COVID-19 vaccination.

As a result of trying to replace years of experience that have departed the police, they are probably overworked and understaffed.

Today, it seems they are overburdened, outgunned, and appear to lack the resources necessary to reduce violence while reconciling community perceptions with reality.

Additionally, underpaid, and in some circumstances, the community casts doubt on some currently serving obligations or willingness to defend and serve the community for many years to come.

Sadly, many organized criminals who may be suffering from mental illness, some frustrated with their personal growth, or feel like they are untouchable because of their political connections won’t hesitate to scare people and take off their masks to make them afraid.

There are a lot of people who think that these criminals, like the COVID-19 virus, are not bound by society’s laws and rules. This makes them more dangerous to everyone who comes their way.

A lot of these criminals are trying to destabilize local communities by taking advantage of this time of unease, anxiety, uncertainty, and stress that isn’t seen in a long time.

Unfortunately, some members of the same violent communities will defend those accused of heinous crimes, disguise themselves, or refuse to provide valuable information to assist local law enforcement in being more effective.

If these towns do not respond to continuing investigations when they have important information and given the observed poor case closure rates, they risk attracting a swarm of serial killers or someone in need of rehabilitation on their streets.

You cannot continue to blame law enforcement for withholding information that might benefit the community and the country as a whole.

Along these beaches, the swaying anchor

The governing structure itself may be under threat by other Haitians who are simply waiting for an opportunity to strike.

More civil unrest is possible in 2020 because of a worsening economic and political crisis ten years after their horrific calamity, reports other publications.

If the country of Haiti collapses and ignites innocent people in its path because of political unrest and economic ruin, society should pray for the best and prepare for the worse.

People who live over there aren’t alone, but some of the postcard images sent from other places may not tell people where the real stories are.

If you think the Pandemic or the Crime should be prioritized, then you’re right. I’m just pointing out the difficulties.

Separate but equal judiciary roles:

Will an offender’s behavior alter if countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Balise, Haiti, and other Latin American countries reinstate the death penalty by hanging?

Hanging offenders, even though it is a degrading, brutal, and inhumane penalty, has been argued to dissuade those who have violated the peace of the nation.

Even though the death penalty has been abolished in a large number of nations for serious crimes, Amnesty International remains opposed to it.

“What exactly is a judge’s job description? What he or she doesn’t do may be the greatest place to begin.

When it comes to enforcement of the laws, I believe that the legislative body, public employees, and citizens as a whole need to work together to ensure public safety. A judge is not a law enforcement officer.

Even though it is true that no country can forecast criminal conduct for a variety of reasons, reactionary law enforcement is not a long-term solution.

A hefty penalty will not be sufficient punishment for leaders who fail to address the underlying causes of socioeconomic decline. 

To effectively deal with it as a public health issue outside of the elected or elite bubble, the correctional system, legislation, and judicial system, as well as politicians, must speak out in one collective voice. They must stop pointing fingers and speak together.

Finding the root cause of a problem

A focus on the primary area where I believe criminal elements contribute to high recidivism rates and other safety problems is not a denigration of the system.

What are the socio-economic hurdles that, especially for many young people, make joining a gang, indulging in scamming, or targeting vulnerable people more attractive?

It’s not only about breaking the boundaries of social distance or curfew but rather, what’s the pathology behind the behavior?

Leading experts warn that if these problems aren’t addressed immediately, they could spiral out of control.

A lack of parental direction, low self-esteem, sadness, rage, and other symptoms of social and economic inequality are all red flags that need to be addressed if they are to address these problems.

Although they may have the best of intentions in some interventions, it appears that many residents engage in “selective wrath” before moving on to the next hot topic.

It is time to move the focus of crime-fighting measures away from how government institutions such as law enforcement and the courts operate in these close-knit communities.

While these disputes boil with each shifting of the guard in the people’s house, atrocities continue unabated. From the pulpit to the classroom to counselors, teachers, music icons, sports stars, babies, or grandma, it appears as though no one or nothing is secure today.

Closing a single door allows for simple access to mayhem.

Social media increasingly displays more potent weapons previously only seen in war battles. Additionally, how many barrels of weapons or illegal drugs have been discovered in these ports?

Perhaps it is time to undertake a more thorough background check on individuals in these crucial public service roles, as they also contribute significantly to the nation’s safety and security.

However, the growing disparity between rich and poor that has existed for decades must be addressed, and collaboration between social development and law enforcement is essential.

Numerous analysts have warned that these developments suggest that you may be in or near a failed state.

Additionally, whether arming company owners or expanding citizen access to firearms is a solution that could end in vigilante justice. Some may become targets for their legal firearms, while others may lack the training necessary to wield a weapon, resulting in a few of these new offenses.

There is evidence of the succession of violence on these islands, indicating that it is not all doom and gloom, but it does demand a rational plan.

The criminogenic risk and needs:

Though many have stated that COVID-19 measures have been adequate, horrendous crimes require more than “we’re tough on crime,” but do these strategies frequently identify these criminals?

The character of a crime appears to be gaining greater attention in these community conversations, while the source of criminality appears to be dwindling.

These horrible headlines will not go away, needing a multidimensional strategy that examines growing societal disadvantages and the plight of many disadvantaged youngsters.

Regrettably, their economy and lack of proper assistance undermine their prospects for a bright future.

Numerous individuals may have been unaware of criminogenic risk factors such as anti-social cognition. They frequently demonstrate risk factors such as antisocial conduct and personality characteristics.

People have expressed unhappiness with their leaders in the face of expectations only to find themselves in the same predicament following each election cycle.

There has also been an increase in domestic violence and other community conflicts, which may or may not be related to gang turf battles, while the economic and psychological effects of COVID-19 are being assessed.

Unresolved conflicts often degenerate into physical violence and homicide as a result of a lack of available resources. Weapons, on the other hand, appear to have overtaken talk as a method of resolving small disputes in the modern era.

It’s not merely a place to sleep and be confined.

The use of prison to reduce crime does not always yield the desired results. Many incarcerated offenders face stigma, inhumane treatment, and a lack of resources after reintegration.

Studies show that recidivism is minimal in institutions and programs that focus on rehabilitating ex-offenders, and career criminals for reintegration into society.

Mental health assessment and treatment, substance addiction therapy, psychosexual evaluation, vocational training, and increasing investment in social workers are all critical components. “

This intervention in criminal behavior and community reintegration will result in a fundamental shift in addressing the root causes of the problem.

Many troubled people have limited adaptive abilities and are quick to commit crimes against anyone, including family members, in any conflict, using vigilante justice.

The use of a blanket classification for all convicted offenders, whether inside or outside the prison walls, contributes to feelings of isolation and tension.

Another example is that many deported people frequently lack the resources they need to reintegrate, and yes, some are misclassified and blamed for a crime even when they are innocent to divert attention.

Combating crime is more than just a political issue, despite its difficulty. To eliminate these pockets of criminals and restore public trust, all hands must be on deck.

The threat to public safety necessitates a multifaceted response. Counseling and social assistance, as well as cooperation from law enforcement and artists who many of these individuals trust and follow their music, are all part of this effort.

Is defining silence and selective empathy a viable solution?

Many critical points have been emphasized throughout this text to aid in the resolution of these issues. I don’t have all the answers, and I have no financial or political ties.

In neighborhoods where crime and other economic challenges are being ignored or where a swift and rigid implementation serves a public relations objective, any solution will certainly create more questions than answers.

I have not shied away from the realities of everyday life. Crime prevention, on the other hand, necessitates a firm but balanced approach, and political solutions are not always possible.

Leaders on both sides blame each other, causing critical crime-fighting and economic policies to stall. When does good governance enter the picture after an election?

While many victims seek justice, neither political party has called for the dismantling of criminal gangs in outlying parishes and counties.

The joint statements make it abundantly clear to these criminals that the country will not tolerate the chaos and mayhem.

Community and political leaders must work together to condemn these heinous ideas that target police officers to reduce robberies, murders, and kidnappings.

As the struggle for social intelligence intensifies,

They must accept reality, regardless of socioeconomic status, to eliminate these pockets of criminals and restore social trust.

Many will claim patriotism from their gated community, either locally or globally, while continuing to influence the political system to protect their profit margins while violence and systematic issues rage on.

The silent generation can no longer close their eyes and hope that the atrocities will stop. Fear and clinging to the polling booth appear to have devolved into a delicate balance in governance.

Some leaders appear to lack the courage and resolve to confront these criminals. They’re on a tightrope, pushing back to sell a delightful story while the systemic issues persist.

When well-known media outlets criticize leaders for their mistakes, they are also attacked. The real victims, as I have said before, tend to get lost in the debates.

No matter your political affiliation, violent crime has hidden victims.

As leaders debate, the emotional, economic, and psychological effects of their actions will last for a long time. Unfortunately, more people will be hurt.

A quick media clip is regularly published in the name of empathy, but the victims in these areas receive little to no follow-up care. 

Far too many stories have come out about people going about their daily lives and hardworking business owners who help the local economy. These criminals seem to think that their success puts them at risk.

Statistics demonstrate that the cycle of violence continues, and her tale is only one of many.

While local officials have caught a few offenders, the situation may worsen if they continue to walk the streets.

As I sat there attempting to make sense of it all, it occurred to me that if all of the apples on the tree are rotten, you may eventually have to look at the tree.

To eliminate the perception that a nation is being put on trial, society must return to caring for one another following each crisis.

Is there still a sense of pride on these islands?

Highways and technology developments, as well as enhanced crime-fighting techniques, have all been mentioned as modernization and recovery initiatives. Long-term, certain government initiatives will be beneficial.

Our social and safety masks will fall off when society defeats this crime virus, such as COVOD-19 mitigation through vaccines or other safety measures. This means that all of our masks will fall off.

The gorgeous islands and other spots will be destroyed if the crooks win, so don’t give up!

See you soon!.. Stay safe