Certain Caribbean islands need a COVID-19 approach to combat major crime.

BY R.D.

PART I

This blog is part of our series and opinion of quality of life, awareness, resilience, public safety, and accountability. It’s an analysis of the offerings and the areas where we have experts to help with a number of issues.

Balance while addressing the other public health crisis

COVID-19 has exacerbated the global economic downturn by causing job losses, business closures, and disruptions to many educational systems. This has resulted in a wider gap between the haves and the have-nots.

When it arrived at 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).

Given the wave 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.l or an alternative. Sure, there will many people who will simply want and see becuse of their health issue and ideology

Anyone who lays eyes on it can figure out what’s really going on.

Additional difficulties, according to local accounts, were a lack of planning for economic loss, accountability, manipulation of monies allocated, corruption, and a lack of sufficient bed space and other resources to deal with the pandemic.

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.

Many different topics were highlighted by the outbreak, such as the safety and well-being of front-line workers, research on the most effective ways to limit transmission, and the economic consequences.

Regardless of the discussions surrounding this worldwide concern, it is crucial to effectively manage the pandemic while considering the various factors at play, such as local businesses, employment, tourism, curfews, public safety, and the long-term economic outlook.

The good news is that there are a lot of dedicated healthcare professionals working in these difficult conditions, and their methods seem to have made a big difference in the virus’s early stages.

Photo by Laura James

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

The pandemic has also provided a platform and built the foundation for a future presidential contest. Two rival parties were blamed for the country’s troubles.

With the outbreak and its handling, there was an additional layer of separation between the two groups of people who were already at odds, 

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.

What happens when this outbreak has discovered its vaccine and has decreased the toll on human lives? Most of the poor and developing countries have to deal with the other pandemic and public health issue.

Part II

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.

Recent years have seen an upsurge in several shootings, robberies, theft, assaults, and killings, as well as gang activities. Violence is a public health issue, and it has been known for years. According to local reports, leaders should follow the same rules to bring these criminal strains under control.

Photo by kat wilcox

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.

According to some leaders, external factors like drug trafficking and the importation of illegal firearms could potentially affect the situation at hand.

Reports have suggested that young individuals may be involved in these crimes. However, it is important to question who they are working for and whether there are any affiliations with criminal groups, and why crimes seems to be the only way for their survival

I will address the common practice of putting the carriage before the horse, which is frequently observed in various regions, particularly in economically disadvantaged and developing nations, when crime waves become a prominent media topic.

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?

Some members of the community believe that the city is not doing enough to protect them from becoming victims of this criminal virus.

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.

Efforts are being made to avoid stigmatizing people with mental health disorders and those experiencing homelessness, particularly in countries where these issues have historically been ridiculed, taunted, and marginalized.

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 the economic downturns caused by the pandemic or rising crime rates: 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 in these places, some regional media outlets regularly compare and minimize it, offering no 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, crime in Latin America and the Caribbean costs an average of 3% of GDP, amounting to more than US$350 billion in enforcement, investigations, security spending, disinvestment, and other areas, and it has been increasing for decades.

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 per 100,000 people to more than 37.5 per 100,000.

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.

Today’s officers face a challenging duty. They must serve in politically connected neighborhoods. They frequently encounter danger and hostility.

The animosity between law enforcement and the problems they face today has its roots in colonial control, but many of the conflicts they face are self-inflicted.

Officers play a crucial role in preventing violence and addressing civil issues within communities, as evidenced by the recent rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. They were there to enforce curfews, and any violations, including theft of supplies for some basic food items, were low globally.

It was also reported that many experienced personnel who have left the police force, officers, are likely overworked and understaffed until replacement in a time of crisis.

Currently, they appear overwhelmed, outgunned, and lacking the necessary resources to effectively reduce violence, while also addressing community perceptions versus reality. There remains a struggle on these shores, including other places.

Furthermore, many community members question the long-term dedication of current officers to protect and serve the community, partly due to their low wages and the high cost of housing in the area where many of them serve.

Regrettably, numerous organized criminals—some grappling with mental illness, others frustrated with their personal situations, or those who feel invincible due to political connections, or a community that will look the other way from their own fear of these criminals and gangs, as many are quick to instill fear in the public, often shedding their facades to intimidate others.

There are many who believe these criminals, much like the COVID-19 virus, operate outside the bounds of societal laws and norms, rendering them more dangerous to anyone in their vicinity.

These criminals are actively working to destabilize local communities by exploiting a climate of unease, anxiety, uncertainty, and stress that has not been witnessed in a long time.

Tragically, some individuals within these violent communities will defend those accused of serious crimes, conceal their identities, or refuse to provide critical information that could help local law enforcement operate more effectively.

If these towns do not engage with ongoing investigations when they possess vital information, and considering the noted low case closure rates, they risk inviting a surge of serial offenders or individuals in need of rehabilitation into their neighborhoods.

It is not fair to continually blame law enforcement for withholding information that could benefit both the community and the nation as a whole.

Along these beaches, the swaying anchor

Similar stores, like Haiti, are often neglected. In February 2020, the Armed Forces attacked the National Police Headquarters in Port-au-Prince, killing one soldier and injuring another.

Photo Credit-Globe Post

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.

As of today, it appears like the court needs to get more engaged. In their publication, The Role of Judges, the American Bar Association stated it best.

“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.

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.

Often, you read, stiffer penalties, but as soon as it hits the media, it becomes a political debate and dies quickly.

A severe penalty will not be sufficient punishment for leaders who fail to address the root causes of socioeconomic deterioration.

Even if tougher are introduced, as experts have remarked, is not a long-term solution to discourage crime, it requires jobs, training, rehabilitation assessment, recognizing potential problems, and building confidence with law enforcement

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?

Addressing issues such as neglect, re-victimization, school fights that might escalate, weapons accessibility, school dropouts, juvenile criminality, and substance abuse will take some time, realistically.

Photo by RODNAE Productions

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 be addressed.

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 grandmas, everything appears insecure today.

Closing access to mayhem.

Today, it appears that many of these criminals have found jobs and now utilize social media, which increasingly showcases more powerful weapons that were once only observed in war.

Regrettably, there are reportes stores of guns discovered in barrels and containers intended to import food and other supplies. Furthermore, how many barrels of weapons or illegal drugs have been found at these ports?

Maybe it is time to do a more thorough background investigation on people in these critical public service positions since they also play a major role in the safety and security of the nation.

But the decades-long widening gap between rich and poor needs to be tackled, and cooperation between social development and law enforcement is critical.

Many analysts have warned that these developments mean you are in or near a failed state.

Also, arming company owners, or making firearms more available to the public, is a solution that may lead to vigilante justice. Some may be targeted for their legal firearms, and others may lack the training to know how to use a weapon, leading to a few of these new offenses.

The fact that these islands still have violent acts on them is proof that all is not lost, but it needs a logical 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.

Numerous disadvantaged and emerging countries need re-entry programs. According to specialists, many people are now living alone at home with little or no support, are unemployed, or have a history of mental health difficulties.

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.

They are irritable, lack appropriate education and employment skills or training, are jobless, and struggle with illegal substance usage and mental health difficulties. Regrettably, many are also victims of crime in need of counseling.

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

As reports have shown, violence and community conflicts have risen while the economic and psychological effects of COVID-19 linger.

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 dialogue as a method of resolving small disputes.

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 indicate that recidivism is minimal in institutions a that focus on rehabilitating ex-offenders and career criminals for reintegration into society.

I’ve visited and talked about community risk reduction with them. They have a great reentry program in a brand-new facility that is very offender-rehabilitation focused.

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.

A blanket classification for all convicted offenders, whether inside or outside the prison walls, creates feelings of isolation and tension. This can lead many offenders to be trained inside, or fioces to form alliances for their survival that they took to the street upon their release.

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, a collective effort is essential with the community, law enforcement, and political leaders on all sides.

The threat to public safety necessitates a multifaceted response. This effort includes counseling, social assistance, and cooperation from law enforcement and artists whom many of these individuals trust and follow.

Is defining silence and selective empathy is not viable solution?

I have identified in the text to help tackle these issues. I have no financial or political affiliations. I have reflected on these matters throughout my travels, relationships, and conversations with both victims and perpetrators of crime, particularly regarding minor issues that can escalate and the warning signs of their risk .

Numerous individuals have conveyed that they feel they do not possess the adequate skills and resources needed to effectively develop critical career skills, which are essential not only for their personal advancement but also for the improvement of their communities and society at large.

I view crime as a matter of public health because it directly affects everyone’s sense of safety within their communities.

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.

In most areas, each electoral cycle is like a revolving door. Economic inequalities, widespread poverty, and reported corruption that breeds despair pervade the country.

Leaders on both sides blame each other, causing critical crime-fighting and economic policies to stall. When does good governance become relevant 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 video statements, like photo-ops, serve to showcase the progress they have made and gain more support from voters. The nation must make it clear to these offenders that their chaotic and violent crimes will not be tolerated, regardless of party affiliation.

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 individuals will express patriotism from the safety of their gated communities, whether locally or globally, while simultaneously influencing the political system to protect their profit margins, even as violence and systemic issues persist.

The silent generation can no longer ignore the atrocities and hope they will cease. 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 a person dies as a result of a heinous crime, personal responsibility cannot be captured in a few tweets for likes, selective amnesia, and a false sense of empathy.

This creates the impression that politicians are the only astute people in those communities, manipulating headlines to downplay the reality on the ground.

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

On March 26, 2020, for example, a 75-year-old grandmother broke down in tears during COVID-19 due to the death of a 22-year-old man. Her unhappiness with the ongoing violence was reported by the Jamaican Gleaner.

Photo Credit: Jamaica Gleaner

A quick media clip is regularly published in the name of empathy, but the victims in these areas receive almost 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 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?

Despite the cloudy skies, the economy will rebound and the people will stay resilient.

New roadways, technological advancements, and improved crime-fighting strategies have all been outlined as modernization that is unquestionably beneficial to the nation.

However, they require government actions after speeches to be proactive, such as ensuring that children are immunized, collaborating with teachers, and ensuring that parents have the resources they need to recognize and report any problems in their homes.

COVID-19 affects a large number of individuals, but if criminals continue to make people feel uncomfortable, they will never regain their sense of security.

Photo by Skylar Kang

Our social and safety masks will be removed when society overcomes this crime virus, such as through COVID-19 mitigation efforts like vaccines or other safety measures.

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

See you soon! Stay safe

Did COVID-19 trigger a bigger “brain drain” of Caribbean nurses, or was it happening before?

BY. R.D.

This blog is part of our series on opinions of quality of life, wellness, awareness, resiliency, public health and safety, and accountability. It’s an analysis in conjunction with the offerings and the areas we have experts in to help with several issues.

A delicate balance for economic, patriotism and job security,

The exodus of intellectual capital has been a worldwide occurrence for several decades, impacting various underprivileged and emerging nations across the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.

These countries forfeit the knowledge of outstanding educators, healthcare professionals, and physicians who are vital to national development and future progress.

According to experts, various reasons prompt these individuals to leave their homeland, including internal conflicts, anxiety, enticing job opportunities, or a longing for an improved quality of life.

Today, we’re witnessing a fresh surge of “brain drain” caused by the impact of COVID-19. But for many of these highly skilled nurses, the mentality was there long before this pandemic. 

One noted, “It’s not about playing politics, seeking attention, or aligning with a single party; the issues in some of these public health systems have had their own COVID-19, and they had to navigate.”

Many of these highly trained individuals are beginning to understand that their educational sacrifice can lead to opportunities in another nation, which will impact not only their financial situation but also their overall quality of life. 

Individuals who spoke out about COVID-19’s experience working under difficult and inhumane conditions appeared to be silenced shortly after.

This reduces responsibility, makes people more prone to errors, reduces best practices, and increases risks.

Many noted the lack of job satisfaction, inadequate facilities, flawed healthcare systems, and subpar educational systems.

It’s not just about who holds power or controls the narrative or which receiving country can pay the most.

No matter where you are, it is never a good thing when your teachers, nurses, or doctors leave.

Experts explain that this value is crucial for both personal growth within a company and for external factors like salary and job stability.

Those who have departed or are eagerly anticipating that phone call frequently discuss the antiquated Occupation Health and Safety laws, the absence of a robust pension plan, and the concerning lack of regulation that compromises protection and ethics, particularly in the field of medicine.

Prior to COVID-19, there were plenty of discussions about the pressing need for better technology, supplies, and equipment to save lives, including newborns.

These concerns echoed through the hospital wards. According to some individuals who have departed earlier, certain facilities allegedly put both nurses and patients at risk by increasing their likelihood of contracting an infectious disease.

In numerous regions plagued by ineffective governance and widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement, the brain drain has a significant impact on various sectors, extending beyond healthcare.

It’s unfortunate that these issues continue to persist, makes  the potential for migration and impeding local socio-economic growth.

COVID-19 really brought attention to that big elephant in the room.

COVID-19 revealed the lack of preparedness in even the most affluent industrialized nations with top-notch medical facilities, not to mention economically challenged territories.

The stories reverberate with the challenges of limited resources, exhausting work schedules, emotional strain from witnessing loss, and the frustration of not being able to apply their expertise to save lives.

Photo by Laura James

Although government policies provided monetary relief and supplies, aided financial markets, and stimulated economic activity in response to business closures and unemployment, experts cautioned that it may be too late to retain many professionals seeking better-paying jobs and security.

Today, it’s clear that keeping nurses local takes precedence over any stimulus package passed by governments worldwide.

Regrettably, these packages won’t be able to fill the shoes with these professionals or bring back the countless lives lost on the front lines.

In addition, there is frustration among these dedicated workers, some of whom have also been infected with COVID-19 and have become victims of inadequate medical systems.

Some also have concerns about difficulties in balancing work and family responsibilities, as well as emotions during this pandemic.

The choice of remaining or returning

Today’s new set of nurses may be the current focus, but this issue extends to various critical industries, including education.

Numerous reports have indicated that once these individuals are trained, a significant number of them choose to leave.

Regrettably, it’s not just those who will be departing. Year after year, a multitude of bright young minds in the Caribbean and beyond embark on their journey to acquire nursing degrees and essential medical assistant training in places like Germany, Cuba, Canada and the United States.

Healthcare studies reveal that a significant percentage of medical systems are now hiring nurses who have received their education abroad. This trend is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down.

The role of a nurse is equally vital, alongside that of a skilled doctor, a dedicated police officer, a passionate teacher, and other professions that contribute to our community.

Their presence in these facilities often allows families to have apiece of mind, sparing them from taking time off work or enduring a night on an uncomfortable chair while waiting for a doctor’s response.

These first responders have a multitude of roles beyond just being doctors’ assistants. They are the ones who ensure everything runs smoothly, from setting up a clean bed to accompanying patients, even those with mental health concerns.

Additionally, they offer guidance and comfort to families during difficult times.

The workforce of a country plays a vital role in its capacity to innovate and thrive in a global economy. Ensuring the well-being and sustainable development of a nation showcases its capacity to cultivate capable individuals and proactive problem-solvers with invaluable expertise. Providing incentives is critical to retaining a motivated workforce.

Studies have indicated an increase in demand from countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as other nations affected by COVID-19 will be looking to address the exposed gaps, and the shortage of well-trained nurses.

Working visas that are in high demand have become an irresistible opportunity for many to embark on a journey towards permanent residency.

It is also a lucrative business for those who managed these brain drain operations as experts have noted.

Scholars reported that recruiters are aware of the profound influence imported nurses have had on numerous industrialized nations, despite recent immigration restrictions caused by political factors and the discrimination some may face while adjusting to a new culture.

Despite some of these barriers, many industrialized health care systems, economic progress, and social development are all eagerly anticipating the arrival of the subsequent cohort of prospective applicants.

PART II

After graduation, it is more than a paycheck for these professionals.

Brain drain is not always about money, but also a better work-life balance (spouses, parents, children’s future), with the hopes of a well-prepared system and organizational management, job protection, and consistency.

Even for those who may consider looking beyond the local issues and wanting to return to their native land to give back, and escape from the harsh weather, it is the responsibility of the leaders to create incentives for those trained individuals to return or, as mentioned earlier, to encourage them to stay locally.

Again, it is more than just nurses who want to leave these locations, as I know from working with some of them who have shared their personal experiences.

These nurses’ future departure is not due to poor leadership alone, gender equality, or nationality desertion. Few will admit the lack of a good education and there little few investments in research and development.

In addition, numerous manufacturing companies have departed from the town, which could have provided an alternative career path for many individuals in these impoverished and developing nations.

Unfortunately, the few success stories now face enormous student loans, under employment safety concerns due to high crime, and reports of inadequate support structure to alleviate emotional scarring.

Today, some argued that veteran nurses are skipping vacations out of fear of losing their jobs, which could result in the current wage being reset after years of hard work.

They discussed how, while missing their own country, sometimes being in isolated locations, and having some difficulty adjusting to the culture, the benefits outweighed the negative aspects.

The departure of these highly skilled workers diminishes your nation’s quality of life. Overall economic stability, public health, urban planning, social work, corrections, counseling (notably in substance abuse and mental health), and technology are now contributing to the robust and healthy economies of these other countries.

Although some have returned, there is still a significant gap between the haves and have-nots in many Brain Drain countries. The question is not if they will depart again, but when.

Viewing closely:

Healthcare experts and scholars predict that the demand for hospital and home-based care will increase in the coming decades due to factors such as the aging population and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and other medical issues. As a result, the role of nurses will become increasingly vital in meeting these growing healthcare needs.

Take for example, experts have noted, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy’s promise of collaboration remains emblematic as the global hunt for talent continues.

During the height of the pandemic, instead of collaboration, there was a sense of competition in various areas. It became more of a race for equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with participants engaging in fierce battles akin to modern-day pirates. Supply and demand turned into a political sport.

Poor and emerging countries, as well as several dominant Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana, Belize, Haiti, and other Latin American and African countries, whose long-term economic illnesses have debilitated public medical system for decades, stand to lose a lot from the ongoing brain drain.

Efficient collaboration in healthcare is critical to guarantee that all CARICOM members, particularly those in underprivileged areas, have access to comprehensive medical care beyond vaccinations.

This collaboration should also extend to the educational system, in order to cultivate and educate young individuals in various sectors of the economy.

Many young individuals are not willing to incur significant student debt in order to pursue a successful career. Once they complete a program, they exit.

Furthermore, the current medical system, which has outgrown its aging population, as well as the rising cost of healthcare, must be addressed.

Traveling, especially the more remote ones, can be quite a journey to get to a medical facility. These areas lack the organization and accessibility found in more developed locations. 

Haiti

Ensuring the safety and well-being of these invaluable medical professionals goes beyond mere bed space availability or the number of press conferences held.

It’s about holding the medical system to a higher standard, reducing turnover, and safeguarding these dedicated workers.

Additionally, creating a structure that connects job enjoyment and organizational dedication to all parties involved, rather than just for profit alone.

The complexity of care remains a global challenge.

It would be worth exploring a system similar to Cuba’s, where, despite travel limitations, Cuban doctors and nurses have contributed their experience to the fight against various diseases and pandemics.

Caregivers are becoming increasingly important globally, regardless of political systems or financial arrangements.

While the region is fortunate to have some exceptional doctors in private institutions, it seems that a few of them are nearing retirement and could benefit from staying up-to-date with the latest cutting-edge technologies.

Reports indicate that modernization in these regions is minimal, and trust in the system is eroded when some leaders defensively prioritize basic questions about COVID-19 testing, mortality, and socio-economic statistics over the publication of stimulus check distribution.

Politics should never exploit or divide the valuable experiences of caregivers, regardless of their origin or location.

Their roles are absolutely crucial, extending far beyond the mere act of making a brief appearance at a nearby store to hastily repair a road just a week before an election.

While some argue that things are getting better, it’s important to consider how people feel.

Many will keep leaving from other sectors, and the nation may have to import workers to replace them. 

Today, you may be on a bus, train, or subway, and if you encounter the next person in uniform, inquire about their destination for their next shift and offer them a seat if they need one; after all, a country’s economic growth is determined by the health of its society.


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The effect of students’ loan debt on the Caribbean shores!

BY R.D.

This blog is part of our series and opinion on quality of life, awareness, resilience, and student development!

The announcement

On February 8, 2020, Robert Nesta Morgan, parliamentary secretary in the office of the Jamaican prime minister, announced that an incentive plan, offering students the opportunity to have their debts forgiven for public service work, was either in place or under development. It is one of the best imported policies to arrive at these shores in a while.

Countries around the world occasionally introduce rules and regulations that are associated with other nations. Some may not fit all backgrounds from various cultures and traditions, or even economic conditions

A few hours later, weather coordinated or not, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith tweeted that the proposal is a wonderful idea worth exploring!

Yes, I agree with her! However, many of these promises often become entangled in political agendas during election season.

Additionally, the social media responses after the announcement appeared to be tremendous, but who will hold these leaders accountable?

Often some of these politicians will be moved to different departments, and some will take on other private sector positions. These students should hold them accountable and follow up after these elections, because not much will be achieved.

Should these leaders forgive 50 percent, 100 percent, or 10 years of public service work for professionals such as law enforcement officers, government technology workers, or social welfare programme staff, including nurses in critical care and teachers in STEM programmes aimed at building the next generation of leaders and reducing brain drain?

Regardless of the details, any beneficial policy aimed at helping the next generation should be welcomed.

Civil service jobs should not create other social stratification regarding which jobs are more important to consider.

Attracting and retaining the right workforce will benefit the nation’s economy. These civic service should serve as the unifying factor, and in incentive in building the nation’s economy.

Fom Tyrone you local senitation water company employee to Susie manages your property tax, and Nadine, who once pursued a degree in agriculture and continues to repay her loans, finds herself jobless due to the closure of her factory and started her own business. They are all part of the connected economy

Even one who prepares your child’s lunch at the primary school their work is also important.

Maybe it is beyond Politics!

Regardless of the political party, student loans support many people to attend college, graduate, and attain a degree for a more promising long-term future and, overall, the nation’s economic stability.

While the proposal is a positive step, the funding details remain unclear, making it challenging to summarize in just a few tweets. Like other countries that participate in student loan programs, there are requirements and commitments for individuals involved.

This proposed program for student loan forgiveness should benefit the community and not merely serve as an election talking point to attract votes.

Before the last elections, there were reports of free healthcare, but the quality and access did not improve. After the votes were counted, many argued that they were still waiting for bed space and the results of free medical tests. However, that is another topic for discussion.

Many students on these shores will benefit from loan burdens, and their appetite for waiting to leave may change if an opportunity presents itself to migrate. However, it requires a genuine debate, accountability, and implementation beyond likes on social media.

Student loan debt burden reality

Evidence shows that student debt jeopardizes the financial wealth of many households and the economy in the long run, not only in the Caribbean but also in other countries.

This debt burden has also contributed to the black-white wealth gap across the wealth distribution. Other studies have shown that about two in five households now owe student loans, and that number is increasing.

A person with about $45,000–53,000 in educational debt can suffer a lifetime wealth loss of around $215,000. This also affects one’s retirement, long-term savings, and lower home equity, according to academic experts.

Student debt has surpassed $1 trillion in the US, and the delinquency rate has increased to over 50 percent.

These studies also showed the suicide rate in the United States rose to the highest levels in more than a decade. I do not know if most of these suicides are 100 percent related, but others noted the negative impact for individuals between ages 20 and 31.

A previous opinion, “The Brain Drain of the Caribbean Nurses,” highlighted concerns in the medical field surrounding lack of resources, patients’ lives, staff safety, job protection, wages, and failure by leaders.

Consequently, many experienced and well-trained nurses leave the region after obtaining their nursing degrees to seek employment elsewhere, with student loan debt being one of the primary driving forces behind this trend.

When I asked, “Why did you choose that side of town?” they responded, “My wife is working as a nurse.”

It is a remote area with only one major department store that offers various goods. I miss home, but relocating will help alleviate her financial burden.

On several occasions, I received phone calls from friends I had met in the region, informing me that they had migrated with their families.

Their story reflects a broader trend across the Caribbean, where many residents are leaving for opportunities in Canada, England, the United States, and even other Caribbean islands.

Other poverty-stricken and developing countries that do not currently offer such incentives should consider implementing and adopting this student loan proposal.

Crunching the numbers before you apply

Understanding student loans is extremely important, like financial literacy. It informs individuals to avoid the predatory lending trap, unsolicited credit cards, and investment strategies.

It is crucial to monitor re-payments to guarantee timely forgiveness, given that other programs have faced lawsuits for denial of eligibility.

Going forward, school officials should be responsible and encourage students to maximize all options, including scholarships, grants, and aids, before taking out loans and provide career counseling suitable for gaining employment after graduation.

But I will leave that to the local experts to continue raising awareness.

Understanding fine prints can help reduce potential problems.

Before you pick that academic institution to build your dream career, this is a candid conversation potential students should have with their families.

Far too often, retired parents are left to carry the burden, just wanting to perceive their children as having a chance at being successful, and one should not eliminate a good idea even if you have an ideological difference with the messenger.

Household size, marital status, income levels, and work status can all influence these loans, and even though they may vary based on your local laws, some requirements are important. Therefore, understanding how much you can borrow and whether you will need a co-signer, like your parents or a guardian, for loan repayments will be important.

Students should recognise how the symmetry will work between traditional banks and government loans, but for now, it is a key step forward if created for the correct reason.

Student loan conversations are extremely significant, like they can be the link to a life or career or poverty for some. These loans can also be vital for boarding, tuition, books, and supplies, as well as ongoing expenses.

Student loans in these regions should not be a burden or an obstacle to higher education, and this is where any new loan forgiveness programme will benefit both the poor and developing nations.

Once more, good programs can serve as an incentive to attract and retain the most talented individuals. It is like a private corporation giving you a bonus stock option or a reward for your work upfront.

Your commitment!

Community members reviewing a public service proposal at a city council office

These loan incentives were first developed by officials to compete with the private sector to attract and retain the brightest.

Your civil service career probably won’t make you rich, but it will benefit your country or community. Say you want to become a law enforcement officer; this LIC service position often involves being put in a position of authority that can have a significant impact on your community.

The key to success is like taking out a student loan, and regardless of your political views, you have to dedicate yourself and be committed physically and mentally to get your job done. Pride and a sense of duty are essential in a career that helps maintain a quality standard of living and ideally offers a smooth retirement package.

The main point is that student loans represent a significant life decision, and any assistance in reducing debt after college is crucial.

The strength of a nation lies in its ability to ensure that the next generation feels safe and secure, both socioeconomically and in their pursuit of dreams. This foundation allows them to make significant contributions that will benefit future generations.

This concept is akin to technological software, which must continuously improve and adapt to progress; without adequate resources, it cannot thrive. Student loans should rise above political divides and function as a support system rather than a burden.

Besty Wishes!

Caribbean women’s domestic violence deaths! Could Chinese Community Policing Model protect and serve them? By RD

PART I

Her Story/Their Story

This Blog is part of our series and opinion on quality of life, public safety, awareness and accountability

In January 2020, I decided to subscribe to several Caribbean electronic news sources, intending to read captivating stories, events, and recommendations for future travel destinations.

However, I was in for quite a surprise! In a matter of days, my online feed became inundated with news of multiple women who had been tragically murdered or had mysteriously disappeared.

While it’s difficult to predict when a perpetrator will act, there are usually signs that indicate an escalation. Unfortunately, I would have loved to talk about starting the year on a cheerful note!

I stopped counting today after underlining a few names from a never-ending list of victims surrounding the tragic loss of lives among Caribbean women due to domestic violence and other crimes. Among the Trinidadians were Pollyan Chunlesingh, Gabriella Dunbarry, and Jezelle Phillips.

Somattie Keosoram, Naiee Singh Naiee, 31, an ad­min­is­tra­tive of­fi­cer, and Sharon Burnett, 56, were from Guyana.

Shantel McMaster died tragically at a Jamaican supermarket at the hands of her lover. It’s upsetting to witness a continuing trend of minimizing, rather than holding, the system accountable for assisting victims when they report violence in numerous cases and require resources such as seeking protection or assistance to flee such life-threatening situations.

Suzanne Easy was tragically killed in Jamaica by defense force Corporal Doran McKenzie, who later took his life.

Kim Morley-Smith was killed on Mother’s Day in the Bahamas; later, a woman in her 30s and her 10-year-old daughter were discovered dead in their home, in yet another domestic violence incident.

How many more will we expect to emerge in the upcoming hour, days, months, or years?

Regretfully, another victim of domestic abuse will emerge before you finish this opinion article.

Yes, men are also victims of domestic violence:

Around the same time, several males were killed as a result of violence. Many of these cases are unrelated to an intimate relationship, but studies have shown that on average, men are killed by their female partners less than 25% of the time, while males kill approximately 70% of females

Unfortunately, victims often discover themselves alone once the camera turns off. This is often due to a lack of resources, leaving them feeling like debris floating out to sea or a hidden coin in an old bible.

Around the world, men, mostly family members or partners, murder six women every hour.

According to the UN, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it overshadowed the issue. However, this terrible reality, which existed before the COVID-19 outbreak, continues to be a global catastrophe.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking, which can lead to injury, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Unfortunately, who could be the next teacher, cop, doctor, social worker, singer, rapper, counselor, or perhaps prime minister?

Exploring the harsh reality of domestic violence

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

Imagine a family around the world: each year, someone they know and should be able to trust kills roughly 50,000 women.

Yes, domestic violence is a global public health issue. For this piece, I selected these examples to emphasize that it causes pain everywhere, regardless of location.

The statistics are publicly available, but this is just a brief overview to contextualize these public health issues, rather than waiting for a high-profile victim or offender case to emerge or for an election cycle to dominate the news.

Domestic violence, in particular, represents a public health risk along various coastlines. How many women have gone missing, been molested, raped, or murdered before these most recent victims? How many cases remain unsolved, hidden away in a church or elsewhere in these communities?

Many individuals in need of help and treatment often go unnoticed, as those around them choose to remain silent to protect their reputations, due to the stigma associated with these issues in certain cultures.

When we lose someone—a victim, friend, coworker, or family member—it is natural to question why it happened. However, often that is where the inquiry ends.

Experts and the Center on Domestic Abuse estimate that domestic abuse accounts for around 19% of the overall healthcare burden among women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Unfortunately, the murder rate and violent crime rates, particularly against women, will continue to rise before you finish reading this article, regardless of whether you are a teacher, student, wife, mother, aunt, or sister, a public safety official, or an ordinary person struggling to make ends meet at a local market.

Systemic Failures in Helping Victims

Often, when a victim comes forward, local governments struggle to provide the necessary resources, training, and mindset to properly recognize them as victims.

Some locations, especially those in rural areas, could use improvements to better protect victims even after the initial report is made.

Politicians often take advantage of the circumstances of victims, making empty promises and only showing up for a photo opportunity, only to forget about the victims’ experiences until the next major news story.

Accountability is crucial for ensuring greater community involvement. While social media posts featuring a victim can be impactful, they should not be seen as a complete substitute for essential resources or as a reliable source of targeted anger.

These individuals often require timely duty of care, support, and counseling. Regrettably, numerous individuals who are aware of these signs are hesitant to speak up due to the social stigma associated with it, leading them to keep silent to safeguard their reputation.

When someone we know passes away, it’s natural to reflect on the circumstances surrounding their death and wonder about the different possibilities.

When someone we care about falls victim to senseless violence, we often find ourselves questioning what could have been done differently, and why, or what factors may have contributed to the outcome.

Exploring these thoughts and emotions is crucial for processing our grief and seeking understanding. Although equality is important, it is crucial to find closure and ensure accountability.

PART II

The often overlooked signs in plain view:

Now, let’s get to Shiatel White’s story. There are several stories like hers.

Shantel Whyte, 24, was caught in a distressing domestic situation when a perpetrator tragically shot her inside the store where she was employed. Based on multiple local news outlets, she was held in high esteem, exuded a vibrant energy, and possessed a future filled with promise.

Shaitel Whyte-24

However, some believed she was to blame for her boyfriend’s actions, which were motivated by envy.

Today, it appears that many culprits are increasingly employing firearms to settle disputes rather than engaging in conflict mediation. Disagreements can easily escalate into horrific personal violence and murder due to a lack of resolution choices.

Unfortunately, her untimely death is not unusual in this area. I couldn’t help but wonder how many other stores you would have liked to be engaged with, and now you’re left thinking.

As previously stated, she requested assistance from authorities on several occasions but rejected it as a family concern. Even when there are male victims, they must frequently display strength and lack venerability.

The game of assigning blame.

Even more concerning is some people’s attitude towards re-victimization, as if they earned it.

In our society, these discussions typically start with an interrogation of the victim.

“She had the option of fleeing the situation.”

What was the origin of her abuse? Why didn’t she just leave?

She should flee, but where does she go in a system riddled with weaknesses designed to conceal their vulnerability? It’s always about what she should have done, not what should have happened.

However, it appears that no one ever asked the culprit, whether in prison, school, church, or the community, why he or she chose violence.

We must dispute the premise that such men kill out of mistrust and poor judgment, and that she should stop moaning about how much they spent on her. Rapidly accusing victims is a sort of minimizing.

The silence is deafening

In an environment with 24-hour media attention, once the cameras go, the danger to their lives persists, rendering the method worthless. Simply minimizing or demonstrating empathy through photo-ops is not an effective method.

Tweets alone cannot generate considerable support, and continuously comparing oneself to other countries does not yield real results.

It is critical to have reliable resources that prioritize understanding the underlying causes of problems to find long-term solutions for people who have experienced domestic abuse in these areas.

Given the rising prevalence of violence worldwide, it is critical to enact tighter rules, particularly for people with mental health difficulties or criminal records who have obtained guns.

Experts have documented the following use of some of these weapons in domestic violence cases.

No matter where you live, even if it occurs once a month in your area, the total number of incidences of abuse accumulates. Domestic violence can manifest in various ways, including digital or online abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, and emotional abuse.

If these issues continue untreated, they frequently result in killings.

Victims become frustrated when they strive to find solutions only to have their concerns repeatedly dismissed.

It can feel like a never-ending loop, repeating the same tune without finding a practical solution, which could lead to more serious effects.

As I previously indicated, how many women were missing, abused, or murdered before the most recent victims, and how many of these instances went unsolved?

Domestic violence is a sort of violence that occurs between persons who have a personal relationship, such as living together or being separated.

It differs from random acts of violence or the deeds of mysterious serial killers who are unknown to law enforcement or the public.

Far too often, when statements are made, they are informed that the investigation is still underway, while the relatives of vulnerable victims continue to seek answers.

“When is it?”

“When will the “next” button stop along these coastlines, which include many impoverished and developing nations with limited resources?”

voices and cries for help were going unheard or if they were in danger of becoming extinct.

This violence appears to follow a pattern similar to previous cases of ethnic, cultural, and religious cleansing as a result of geopolitical strife, according to reports.

Simply put, this disturbing violence against women is not a result of a catastrophic hurricane, pandemic, aging, or escape. but in the hands of their intimate partners.

These perpetrators appear to have taken out life insurance policies and, to cash them in, have resorted to violence.

PART III

Shaking off an outdated ideology can be quite a task

Though legislation and women’s rights movements in the region extend back to the 1950s, such as in The Bahamas under Dr. Doris Johnson, some of these laws are out of date and may need to be updated to address current challenges.

The region’s regulations make it difficult to convict a man for raping his wife, even in a same-sex union. Again, politicians should seek ways to improve the law rather than engaging in political contests that simply harm the victims.

The surge in violence, particularly against women, demands a thorough assessment of the root causes, as well as policies to give better protection and assistance.

Emotional, physiological, physical, financial, and stalking abuse do not end with incarceration. Offenders’ treatment, as well as first responder training, is crucial.

This will necessitate an adjustment in long-held ideas. Many victims, as well as those responsible for their care, may try to divert attention or diminish the problem.

Traditionalists, sometimes known as the “silent generation,” were raised to be seen but not heard to maintain their family’s image.

Although studies have indicated that men are victims of abuse, as previously indicated, they are often the perpetrators of violence against women. Today, I’m curious about the link between masculinity and colonialism, namely, a belief system that persists.

We cannot ignore the awful history of dehumanizing and confining women, particularly Black women, to the kitchen, as well as the ongoing structural problem.

Unfortunately, that mindset persists, despite recent achievements by women around the world.

Real change is beyond politics.

Domestic violence is still considered taboo in some cultures on many Caribbean islands, as well as in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. It has a long history of male-chauvinistic (macho) status.

Many people still assume that street harassment is normal, and few understand that it is a major problem. This behavior frequently results in unwanted groping, assault, kidnapping, and other acts of violence.

Unfortunately, even when the offenders are there, many victims remain in the shadows after being re-victimized, humiliated, blamed, and receiving no help.

Some males may see women’s and other victims’ increased financial mobility as a threat.

She is now more autonomous, self-assured, and educated, defying societal norms that dictated gender roles and confined her to the kitchen.

According to human rights reports, women are vulnerable, and disobeying demands can result in molestation, assault, or even death.

The cycle, the disconnect, and the long-term consequences

Domestic violence puts many children at a higher risk of abuse or neglect.

This violence forms a psychological pattern, and surviving such a traumatic occurrence has long-term negative consequences, including some people becoming abusers as a result of the experience.

Over three million children experience domestic violence in their homes each year. Some children mistakenly believed that everything would be fine as long as their worried mother stayed. According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations,

It is critical to identify the long-term psychological implications, which are difficult to quantify.

Domestic abuse can affect more than just a single victim. Experts report that predators frequently target teenage girls who have fled their families, exploiting their vulnerability to further victimize them.

They either escape violent homes or end up in relationships where they also become victims. Without assistance or resources, the cycle keeps going.

However, the cycle continues for helpless victims due to a lack of effective responses, resources, and often accountability for local law enforcement and the judiciary, as well as insufficient training for first-line responders to handle these violent cases.

The Barriers

Poverty, inequality, stigma, and polarization make it difficult to provide critical resources like family or individual counseling. With intervention and treatment, victim services such as mediation or shelters would be possible.

Experts believe that access to these services would alter the course of many Latin American and Caribbean communities.

Unfortunately, some group interventions remain hidden, lack adequate staffing, and close quickly, and convicted offenders frequently require the cooperation of law enforcement to ensure they attend treatment programs.

Victims continue to use the healthcare system more frequently and for a longer period of time than others.

Moreover, vigilant justice does not foster vibrant communities. It merely reveals a deeper, systemic issue in the community, and people must speak up to reduce violence. “Report anything that appears to be wrong.”

Getting to the root of the problem

Domestic and family violence cases are more than politicians arriving at a gruesome crime scene, taking a few photos with a victim, and then posting on social media with little or no resources to back them up.

Today, it appears that some elected officials have selective amnesia when it comes to violence, ranging from robberies to ongoing student disappearances. The complexities of law enforcement, politics, and community frequently entangle them.

Elected officials frequently politicize, deflect, or minimize condemnation of these victims’ stories to prevent tourist ships from docking and hotels from filling up. Furthermore, some may be unintentional victims of the impact and are too afraid to speak out.

This is more than a couple of erroneous tweets with a skewed sense of empathy. They should mobilize more to demand change and accountability, because “we are going to” does not prevent fractures, third-degree burns, lacerations, disfiguring scars, and, in numerous instances, death.

To identify troubled individuals, leaders must invest more resources in community policing, treatment programs, victim services, and youth organizations, as well as in job training and rehabilitation, to induce a mental shift in how they resolve conflicts.

Before deploying a vaccine, these local systems must be able to identify criminal symptoms through psychosexual assessments.

There is often a 24-hour news cycle, feelings of guilt, a sense of social media bliss, and promises made as if governance could be accomplished in a few words.

Some of your leaders should go back and read their social media promises and plans, which provide little support for victims’ follow-up.

Can only dear Pastor help?

More conversation is necessary, and not only after a murder. A phone call to a dear preacher or a few social media likes will not erase the familiarity of what happened at home, especially because abusers are rarely held accountable.

Even if you are not directly affected, these issues can sometimes go unnoticed, leaving those who could help feeling useless.

Consider how many of these stories you’ve heard, and whether you know anyone who was friends with someone who became a victim of this abuse.

To combat violence against women, communities must remain welcoming places to live, work, and play.

They must also be able to give disadvantaged victims with resources such as food and personal care products, as well as a safe environment where victims can relate their stories without fear of being victimized again.

Here’s an alternate explanation, since it appears like they just threw everything up on the wall to see what stays.

Part IV

Studies and articles have recently revealed China’s growing global impact, which includes new pushes into Africa and the Caribbean islands. Chinese firms and other fresh investments have sparked a cultural explosion.

People claimed that these private investments would boost economic growth and security.

According to reports from one region, during the early stages of China’s coronavirus pandemic, officials effectively collected up and separated approximately 60 million people in a single place over the course of one weekend.

What if local law enforcement treated domestic abuse and violence against women in the same manner?

Will China’s takeover of public safety operations on high-crime islands protect more women from domestic violence, murder, and other criminal activity?

Given China’s dominance on these shores, I began to guess reluctantly. After conferring with a few specialists and acquaintances, I entertained some profound ideas about whether they could provide a stronger public safety approach to defend their investments.

If this were to happen, it remains unclear whether these areas could adopt a governing structure similar to that of a “police state”. Such a system typically operates within a totalitarian regime, where the government exercises control through the police.

Regardless of the high number of crimes, such a system will surely add to the rising distrust and animosity that many residents in these impoverished and developing countries have against law enforcement.

Implementing this approach will need a delicate balancing act between these countries’ political and constitutional systems.

This theory is less credible because studies indicate that China has human rights difficulties, such as imposing Mandarin on ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs.

Academics refer to this disputed procedure as “identifying who are their friends and all their enemies.” If this procedure happens, violent offenders, like many victims in unhealthy relationships, will face severe movement restrictions.

Nonetheless, given their current investments and ownership of critical areas along these beaches, it may be possible to explore alternative methods for addressing these public health risks.

It may be beneficial to investigate even if it reduces the frequency of missing children, deaths caused by domestic violence, and other issues. Furthermore, such an approach may result in improved technology and training.

These victims require your assistance.

There is a struggle to separate ideology from legislation to combat this hostile behavior, which is growing more prevalent, particularly on high-crime islands.

Violence against women remains endemic in many of these places. When these victims muster the strength to speak forward, they deserve your support and an action plan.

Every year, Reggae Fests, Soca, Afro Beats, Jazz, Latin Rhythms, and Carnivals take over these countries, but beneath the costumes and rhythms, someone is suffering as a result of irrational actions made by perpetrators, and these festivals may need to be delayed to expose this epidemic.

There is a need for more comprehensive assessments and interventions in mental health and substance abuse. Social media generally focuses on high-crime areas while ignoring rural ones.

Discussing domestic abuse can develop trust in the next generation of advocates. We can no longer blame it on a culture that continues to condone female objectification.

Let’s keep talking about it.

I hope that by coming forward without fear of financial repercussions, more helpless victims will receive critical additional support from other women and organizations.

Violence against women must be prioritized throughout the year, not just during election seasons.

This problem will not go away because many domestic partners will continue to viciously abuse and kill, no matter what day of the week.

Even when others see the signals, those in need are routinely overlooked. Remember that hindsight is 20/20; thus, focusing on the past will have no effect on the present.

Instead, let’s cherish memories and support one another throughout difficult times.

Stay Safe!

Dorian has found some hidden debris in The Bahamas has brought attention to other places

BY R.D. MILLER

The unexpected wind that also opened a deep wound

After the hurricane, Dorian landed on Abaco Island on September 1, 2019, and a day later in Grand Bahamas as a category five hurricane with winds of up to 215 miles per hour; the damages amounted to about 3.4 billion, at least 70 deaths, and about 14,000 families displaced according to weather experts.

Credit: Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. PHOTO: Christy Delafield/Mercy Corps

Millions watch helplessly, but with the tenacity of its people and with the help of other nations, The Bahamas is now rebuilding.

Who, what when get rebuild first?

Following a catastrophic event, inquiries are inevitable. Although there are areas for improvement, there is a chance to gain insights from errors related to inadequate planning and enhance environmental management. Regardless of how this paradise is reconstructed, some intangibles cannot be resolved through donations, improved infrastructure, or moving to higher ground.

The hidden debris that washed up with hurricane Dorian’s has brought a gloomy side to the surface on this paradise and exposed unresolved issues in the Caribbean. The complexity of classism, racism, and the social-stratification still roars like high tides reaching its banks.

Even though these islands are close together, they share music, customs, skin tone, culture, beautiful beaches, and food. Arriving by a homemade boat in search of a better life may result in a less welcoming reception compared to those showing up on a cruise ship, or private or public airplanes.

The hidden trash that resurfaced

Some individuals, including those with Caribbean roots, were surprised by the aftermath and have donated to established organizations to help rebuild the island. Yet, a discussion emerged about the most effective way to assist those who are already struggling.

Simply put, after the camera leaves, and the photo-ops are no longer staged, the genuine work and the reality sets in.

This discussion surrounding migrants, especially Haitians who live on the island, is an undercurrent seldom discussed. They make up about 20 percent of the population in some areas, according to reports.

After Dorian, some believed that leaders treated them less than humans, not worthy of being counted for aid or basic support like food, water, or shelter. Many Haitians who came ashore in The Bahamas have had their share of catastrophes, from poor governance to crime and natural disasters.

hoto Credit: Cheryl Diaz Meyer for NPR

Exodus for a more quality standard of living carried the risk on the ocean. Some often never make it to The Bahamas and other Caribbean islands.

Stories like these seldom receive media attention of an unwelcome mat on the white sands for many neighbors who made it to shore. These stories are like migrants fleeing parts of North Africa to the coast of France, Italy, and Germany. Often as it appears leaders are struggling, to manage migrants inflow, and any immigration violation(s), as one noted, leaders and enforcement remains an open question.

Beneath the sunshine, broad smiles, and an inviting ocean, if you planned to stay beyond spending your tourist dollars; or are not able to fill a financial void locally, it is time to go. Most of these Caribbean islands’ immigration laws; even getting a work permit sometimes is more difficult than in many industrial countries.

Photo by Belle

Being part of the CARICOM community that was built on integration and cooperation among each other, like the European Union where its members can travel, work, and live and study with access to health care. In the Caribbean, this policy appears to only be on paper.

Some migrants’ when they arrive in The Bahama’s, and other places in the Caribbean, immediate exclusions have created tension and distrust. They are often relegated, marginalized; coupled with social isolation woven from cynicism and protectionism as leaders and many locals are still searching for the right balance.

Amalgamation can be slow where some found themselves in areas known today, as the hood; but in the Caribbean, better known as the shanty towns. This hierarchy of class systems can be just as cruel as racial segregation seen elsewhere.

Indisputable though, they must maintain the rule of law as some argued that when they arrive, there is an uptick in crime. Sure, local leaders have the responsibility to protect their country from additional financial burden, crime and overcrowding for the smaller islands.

The historic waves beyond The Bahamas

Colonial slave ships have once docked on these waters where their ancestors were exploited, whether to produce sugar, coffee, spices, and other crops, centuries later that connection should have created more acceptance, but the struggle to see themselves as one lingers.

Before Dorian, most of the region from history came to accept that the ongoing fog of Christopher Columbus since 1492 and later British rule in 1717, to independence in 1973. However, struggles remain to emancipate mentally from that period, despite today’s diversity, which makes this island and others unique.

I am not a historian on The Bahamas open economy to business investments, robust tourism, strong financial management, politics, immigration policies, competitive ranking, foreign investments, travel, crime rate, corruption index, taxation or status of women mobility, but these social nets must be addressed.

Today, with over 80 percent of blacks who made up The Bahamas island population, there is still a wide gap in the lack of business ownership, as if it is the ancient colonial period, but this is not a history paper on cultural divides, inequality, poverty that has led to some industrialized nations widen gaps between the have vs, the have-nots.

Beyond the Caribbean coastlines

Dorian debris is beyond The Bahamas. Various experts have also seen similar patterns of marginalization in parts of Latin America, even Brazil.

Many reports show that if black Brazilians could get on a boat and leave they would because out of 2019 studies, blacks are killed at an alarming rate in addition to the economic stagnation. Even when crimes overall dropped, the number of violent deaths recorded, in comparison, the murder rate of black people has not decreased.

In addition, it is worth noting that this pattern is not confined to a single location where a significant number of black individuals were brought in as slaves. Experts have observed that following the abolition of slavery in 1854, black individuals are noticeably underrepresented in Peru’s business and political elite. The majority of them work on sugar cane plantations located along the Pacific coast of the country. A small percentage of Peru’s black population pursues higher education.

In Lima, Peru, there is a tradition where pallbearers are black and native; some argue it is simply employment, but others see it as racism, and only those job opportunities are for blacks.

Photo Credit: Associated Pres

Sexism and classism are significant factors that hinder upward mobility for women in various parts of the Caribbean. It is often attributed to the historical mistreatment of black individuals, particularly women, over the course of centuries.

Regrettably, it appears that this has become the standard despite advancements in upward mobility during since that period. Some individuals, including those in leadership and powerful positions, seem to be oblivious to these social issues, making it difficult to even acknowledge the existence of them.

What’s next:

During my travels to the regions and elsewhere, I have seen marginalization against other groups, but sometimes a disaster is an opportunity to change course.

Haitians and other migrants will continue to search for stability in The Bahamas and other places. The argument is that migrants taking native jobs, husbands, wives, and contributing to the uptick in crimes may be a topic for a good debate.

Regardless of how many husbands and wives when natives hire migrants as domestic aides; economists argued that even in industrial countries, migrants do not take away native jobs. They carry out jobs where natives will not, and these service jobs are vital to the local economy.

Dorian has uncovered a systematic problem throughout the region born out of social stratification that will not end with donations. They have contributed millions to rebuild The Bahamas. And while few will move to a better location and higher grounds; hate, polarization, and self-interest will remain.

Photo by Kelly Lacy

National safety is vital, and if migrants commit crimes, they ought to be held accountable swiftly. They, too, like other islands have challenges in drug trafficking and illegal immigration according to experts, but socioeconomic divide and isolation as studies have shown may cause a struggle to solve some crimes, if migrants only see public safety officials as part of their problems.

The next hurricane will not consider what group they should count, but will all be prepared, and survive since its wind will not dictate who lives where.

No need to panic, the sun will rise again, but all the old trash must dispose.

These islands, after a century of being told what to do, are still going through modernization to find a good balance to reduce the gap between the have vs the have-nots. Sure, those who sit on the sidelines looking in will get push back that it is all well here, and you have your issues.

The Bahamas is still one of the safest places to live, invest and visit in the region, and they equip its leaders to handle its affairs, but it can only get better when you move all its socioeconomic debris together.

Despite the task forwards, The Bahamas will rise again. More tourists will arrive, but I hope that they will use this opportunity to be more inclusive while remaining one of the safest and more attractive places in the region where people want to live and retire.

No, only the Bahamas still needs your support, but other island in the region; and that infectious smile will continue to say; how may I help you, rather than go back to your country or be treated less than?

Tolerance will be the key to success in this new world economy. We all cannot be the same because life would be boring. Let us kill ignorance, narrow-mindedness mentality, and embrace each other to grow.”

Can ex-pats live peacefully and securely in Jamaica, and on some other Caribbean islands, or is this a myth?

BY R.D.

PART I

This blog is part of our series and opinion of quality of life, awareness, resilience, public safety, and accountability. It’s an analysis along with the offerings and the areas where we have experts to help with a number of issues.

The long and ongoing voyage with the hope of returning one day

Many years ago, when a passport was not required to enter an industrialized nation like Great Britain, which was once a colonial power of many of the Caribbean islands and other regions in Africa.

For those fortunate enough to migrate, it offered a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. Countless individuals set out on a demanding adventure, with the hope of one day coming back to the breathtaking warmth, hills, and mountains of their beloved sunset-filled destination.

Throughout history, Queen Victoria’s vessel or aircraft has served as a mode of transportation for countless individuals in pursuit of a better future or in preparation for their dreams.

It has been noted that individuals who came to the United Kingdom between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries are commonly known as the Windrush generation.

They were not seen as foreignnors as society seem to have been pusing back on immigration, and many scholars as noted, many of the pole from this generation ware british subjects ties to teh colonial papers.

This opinion does not address individuals’ rights in the UK today, as indicated by other reports; there is a movement to deport many of these well-established generations.

The arrival of workers from the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, and others in Tilbury on June 22, 1948, was recorded as an effort to assist the UK in addressing labor shortages after World War II.

Another perspective on this is that scholars have drawn a comparison to the Mayflower, an English ship from 1620 that transported a group of English individuals known as Pilgrims from England to the New World.

The individuals lived in cities and operated factories, filling the gap in the labor force left by men who had gone off to fight. Regrettably, several individuals returned from the war with injuries, while others tragically never reunited with their loved ones.

Even after the implementation of immigration limits in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and beyond, many people remained in the country.

Their contributions to academia, medicine, and other sectors of the economy have been substantial, encompassing both public and private domains.

Additionally, there were individuals who arrived later for work-study or as refugees, and a portion of them are undocumented. Today, it is possible to identify several offspring in these neighborhoods as first and second generations.

According to experts, every year, over 500 thousand individuals set off on journeys to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Australia, South and Central America, and even other parts of Africa and Western Europe, in pursuit of a better way of life.

These migrants, many of them, have also made significant contributions. However, for this article, we will be exploring the Caribbean, specifically some of the most popular and volatile locations.

Tenacity in the face of adversity and the ongoing resilience in the face of obstacles

For those who said goodbye to their home country, life beyond the confines of the ship or plane was like stepping into an alternate reality filled with unexpected challenges.

Adapting to a new country can pose challenges for immigrants, particularly in industrialized nations, where assimilation may not come easily.

Many migrants faced discrimination, hostility, prejudice, and other forms of unfairness, as well as language barriers and injustice. However, they found strength in unity and banded together.

Many later highlighted their work in positions that were even unpopular with native people. They received compensation below the mandated minimum wage, faced limited job stability, and lacked access to healthcare. However, it was crucial to their upward mobility and the generation to come.

Furthermore, even for individuals with less formal education, upon their arrival and settlement, only a small number pursued higher education or had the opportunity to participate in the educational system.

The only means of access for many individuals was through tasks such as cleaning or working in the kitchen.

Keeping their hands and feet warm for years while coping with the unpredictably chilly and rainy weather was another task while taking the bus, the late-night public transportation to and from work.

Sometimes the conditions in the government-owned buildings they called home were worse than the ones they had left behind, with poverty, inequalities, and school dropouts. Others recalled criminal activity and even attacks they themselves experienced while commuting in hazardous locations to and from work.

Over the years, several individuals have displayed remarkable resilience. They diligently saved their hard-earned money and wisely invested it in affordable apartments or houses in neighboring communities whenever the legal and systemic barriers allowed.

Just like a scene from an old-timey movie, many were provided an opportunity to succeed, even in the face of challenges and unfairness. They have contributed to the economic strength of these nations.

On the other side of the success stories, there were conversations about people who struggled to maintain their resilience.

Due to a lack of social support, countless persons experienced a downturn in their mental health, and became disconnected from society, as well as losing touch with family they had left behind who may have been counting on them to take a similar trip one day.

Many began using illegal substances and turned to violence, and other psychological disorders that ultimately led to incarceration, segregation, and early death.

“Moving on up” like the Jefferson.

It was only a matter of time before a new immigrant community formed. Others took a chance and invested in properties that were legal to do so.

The increase in space and opportunities for the next wave of immigrants has led to the development of a unique society where many aspects of their original culture are preserved without the fear of being singled out for their achievements.

Many not only worked in the factories but also as home helpers. They took care of their boss’s kids and had hectic work schedules, which frequently left them missing significant family get-togethers, holidays, school functions, and opportunities to help with homework.

For some who got married, started a family, or reestablished ties with loved ones left behind, this new way of life helped define who they became.

Sometimes it made them overly protective of their children and pushed them to reach beyond what they had accomplished.

They established a model for future families who arrived later and became naturalized citizens, or natural-born, by fostering a melting pot of family structures in pockets of the community and ensuring that education was the primary focus to escape poverty or have a voice other than what they faced when they arrived.

Many had a retirement fantasy of sailing away into the sunset, but they remained working, hoping one day they could return to the place where it all began and enjoy the fruits of their effort.

Many expats today living in an exclusive or what some refer to as a gated community on some of the island shores, or in other poor and developing nations, are the result of a well-planned strategy that did not materialize overnight.

Today, after a long period of waiting, the new generation is finally enjoying the fruits of their labor, on their own terms. Recognizing the importance of respecting their parents’ wishes to return to their homeland is essential for them to reap the rewards of their hard work and reestablish a connection to the everlasting waves.

Part II

Responsibility, respect, enthusiasm, and caution—and where does research lie?

Making these decisions was more difficult for some people than breaking up with their partners, and this was one of those cases. Your parents didn’t care for either since they were stuck in that antiquated thinking, with a straight report card influencing their decision.

For some of you, the only connection you have is that your parents came from this location on this lovely island. Others have developed street knowledge through frequent travel and have never lost touch with these two cultures.

Today, many offspring have formed their own families and have already settled in their homeland. Ensuring the happiness of their children’s grandparents is truly invaluable, and it is of utmost importance to respect their parents’ wishes.

This is especially non-negotiable when they are self-sufficient and in relatively good health. Consequently, a few individuals assumed the role of expatriate parents’ realtor.

To achieve this, much research must be conducted along with an understanding that island life may be extremely different from the one that was left.

Some expats may choose to work, while others like to rest and enjoy the cool wind, gorgeous sunsets, the ocean, or the bountiful green that never seems to fade regardless of the season.

Traveling to some of these places is typically safe, but there are several areas where you should exercise caution and take every measure to decrease the likelihood of something bad happening.

No doubt about it, their dreams will come true, and for many siblings, going to see their parents back in their native land will be given free vacation accommodations, whether they want to acknowledge it or not.

It’s highly likely that the phone will ring when it’s time to check up on the grandchildren, say hello, or book a flight for a doctor’s visit as a result of this package.

For many people, making this decision can be quite challenging. I understand that some of you may choose to delay it for now.

Love, patriotism, distance, happiness, fear, healthcare, and the unknown

According to experts, there is growing concern about the rise of nationalism, driven by those who attribute their economic difficulties to immigrants and minority communities.

This trend is increasingly prevalent and alarming. As time goes by, it’s natural to feel increasing concern for your aging parents.

It’s normal to have a mix of support and concern when someone you care about is considering embarking on a journey, whether it’s for personal reasons or to pursue a long-held ambition.

Many families today have to think about what is best for their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or friends when making decisions about their loved ones.

Let’s face it, especially when some people are older and set in their ways, they can be pretty stubborn about doing things their own way.

And don’t even allow me to start on that special someone they either love or can’t stand. They’re convinced that their methods are foolproof because they’ve been using them for ages.

Nevertheless, it’s a cultural issue, and their age, possessions, and status allow them the power to do so. “I get to make the decisions now that I’m older,” one explained.

Returning to reality, you may now need to pay for child care. You may have to move to a cheaper place or one with better opportunities after your parents leave, but they let you stay at home.

It has been estimated that 34% of Millennials still reside within a 10-mile radius of their childhood homes, despite relocating more frequently over the past two decades than previous generations (Baby Boomers and Gen Xers).

Who benefits most from their return economically?

Furthermore, you are not the only one hoping to see them land safely; although some may have different motivations, I must emphasize this point. Overall, for many in the service economy, where the gaps between the haves and have-nots are wide and growing, these expat families will contribute positively to the community.

Expatriates do not dump goods; instead, they bring services that do not jeopardize local farmers and small businesses struggling to compete with imports.

Many of these government pension fund managers may not express it openly, but they may have been pleased when they intended to leave these shores, and they will frequently enjoy the opportunity to pick up a direct deposit elsewhere.

They not only free up resources from the medical system, nursing homes, and other social services in developed countries.

According to an economic study, retirement income in the Caribbean region has the potential to outlast that of many other places because it benefits from a stronger healthcare system, a lower overall cost of living, and better weather.

Because they are your neighbors, the multiplier effect will be magnified as they dine at restaurants and shop locally, resulting in additional discretionary spending.

Some of these economies are currently facing challenges, but the tourist board sees it as an opportunity for additional income.

Experts emphasize the important role remittances play in the local communities, noting that retirees will still spend from their pension accounts even during economic downturns.

Part III

The truth isn’t always on the postcard.

This does not detract from the friendliness of many individuals, but there is no price to pay for the feeling of being endangered.

Numerous retirees have already settled down and are content with their lot in life; others merely want to be buried back home.

People looking for a tranquil and safe retirement have long found the most populous Caribbean islands to be ideal.

Though there are encouraging signs on these shores, some of the children have returned; grand kids enjoy reconnecting with their ancestors.

Regrettably, not all welcome mats turn out as great as one might hope. Of course, it’s not something that anyone enjoys hearing, but we must confront the fact that danger lurks beneath or alongside these breathtaking waters.

So, you bumped into Deacon Brown and his wife, and they mentioned their intention to move abroad. They were excited to start enjoying their pension as soon as they landed in the UK, Canada, the US, or somewhere else decades ago.

However, you were curious when they mentioned their upcoming visit to an elderly care facility in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. You paused, waiting for them to explain the reason behind it.

There is still an investigation into the suspicious death of Mr. Denton, the neighbor who helped you mend your training bike tires, and who checked on you throughout the years until your parents returned from an errand after he retired to the island and who also moved back to his native land.

When it came to their home country, many elders’ patriotism remained unwavering.

Why did she never return? And I wondered about that as well.

When they talked of a church sister and her husband, as well as many other people who returned home and told their own stories of being robbed or murdered.

He wouldn’t have hurt a fly, so if they had asked, he would have handed them his shirt off his back. She has said that as her 100th birthday draws near, “She only will return in a casket maybe”.

Today, I wonder from these statements, how can some of these service-industry countries survive in a world where the only safe way to return is from a casket to a last resting place for the dead?

To put it another way, it forces you to rethink your plans. We may never learn why so many people leave and why some decide to return or not.

So, what advice would you provide to a loved one or friend who is contemplating a move?

In other words, how many stories have gone untold—? Each of you need to to know what  open an account with, and what incentives to account financial status, or visa needed to retire elsewhere.

These are  important, such as crime or becoming a victim; and yes, they may be changing for the better, but safety is not how many keys to your home, and steel windows, but how you feel from dust to dawn in your community, and where you have to venture out.

Again, you wondered, “What if it’s time to revisit the topic of that voyage?” as the world spun on an unfathomable axis.

There have been mixed stories, with some retirees advising against returning. Today, the decision to repatriate “everything immediately” must be weighed in terms of benefits and costs.

R.D.

For some, you were a child or teenager the previous time you visited, and maybe late twenties the next time you went with your pals, a quick stop inland to meet a new cousin or aunt, but the majority of the time was spent on the beach in the preselected gated community.

Currently, you’re dealing with various issues, including those relating to your professional and personal lives, health and finances, family, and interpersonal connections, to mention a few.

Yes, there is always that talk; violence is everywhere, and it has been reducing. This is a positive development; crime rates are decreasing, largely due to the efforts of law enforcement and community members who have chosen to speak out, but how can we quantify feelings about safety? And many of you don’t live everywhere; we are talking here!

Fear of violence; demographic shifts; and the potential of robbery, fraud, extortion, exploitation, and murder, not just “cultural alienation,” are some of the reasons many baby boomers are reluctant to return to their tropical paradise.

The bright spots on the surface of this area hide a disgiuse reality, and those who eat too rapidly from the basket of fruits they once left intact will sometime will pay the price.

Preparing for retirement shouldn’t be so challenging.

It appears that the reports of people being killed months after their arrival are sometimes downplayed. At times it seems they brought it upon themselves. “He shouldn’t have fought back and should have had better security.” However, it appears that nobody has inquired about the specific targets and what actions should be taken.

Today, another family is grappling with the devastating loss of decades of hard work and cherished dreams following the passing of their beloved family member.

Because they fought back, it is possible that these victims’ valuables were not taken from them. These headlines, however, must not be twisted, diminished, or dismissed.

Law enforcement is having a difficult time breaking up these gangs and thugs, yet they continue to walk the streets unchecked.

As part of an extortion ploy, some of these criminals analyze retiree movements, then return to promising community safety for an additional cost.

Moreover, constant fraud attempts through scamming can make one more stressed. When con artists pick out individuals based on perceived deficiencies, their detrimental effects on mental health 

Stories from up close and personal

There are rules, organizations, and expat associations that provide top ten lists on how to arrive safely in various places, as well as other official statements and actions that must be taken seriously. Furthermore, it appears that once they arrive, they will receive little or no assistance navigating the system.

People distributing materials outside Caribbean Unity Credit Union, West Indian Bakery, and travel agency

And good luck finding someone to supervise many of these expats who are concerned about their own financial security and simply see them as ATMs.

Is it a coincidence that every other month, a pension from a local bank disappears from his account; a ride from the back is arranged, only to be forced out of a vehicle and robbed; or a purse is stolen after a quick trip to the store?

The other, who built a rental building on her land, hasn’t received rent in months for the bottom-floor unit she rented for less than market value to assist a young family in starting off. She is regarded as a wealthy woman who can do without paying her rent.

Yes, these incidents happen elsewhere. Your experience may be unique, and for every dismal narrative, there are equally good and uplifting ones. Fortunately, she was able to sell her multi-million-dollar home, close her business, and leave town.

Unfortunately, for others, their medical conditions have become a considerably greater barrier; some had a support system when they returned and are now simply waiting to die. Others wanted to return to the United Kingdom and other countries, but the tiny flat is no longer there, and they couldn’t find a place to remain even if they wanted to, so she should stay put.

To remain protected, she must continuously fear being attacked. This is the mindset that needs to be altered. So, while these hurdles are being highlighted to get you to look at what suits your situation, you get to consider the overall stress and risk level.

Many of these X-Pats have developed their skills in disciplines critical to a country’s economic well-being, including urban planning and social work, penal and mental health, education, and counseling.

They’ve also become experts in technology and sports medicine, among other things. The question of how many individuals will have a realistic opportunity to use their knowledge, skills, and abilities to benefit the next generation remains unanswered if they must prioritize safety over survival. The fact that robbers see expats as easy prey remains a major concern in the country.

PART IV

Yes, as previously stated, the welcome mats should continue, but more needs to be done: as we have seen in local media reports, various initiatives have been made to organize our nationals overseas for the purpose of country building.

“We want our diaspora to come back and live, work, raise families, do business, invest, and retire in their own country as much as possible.”

Silently, a tropical hurricane, intermittent energy service, or a few poorly fixed potholes on rural roads aren’t the issues that some retirees confront today; it’s also the loss of close friends who join them on these return trips due to violence.

Exhibit 1)

There are many stories like Mr. Lynch’s, and I’ll get to a few more of them later. Ancel Lynch, 72, was killed early Tuesday morning when assailants stormed into his Clarendon house and opened fire (December 1).

Her husband’s wife, Inez, claims she heard him talking to one of his assailants, whom he tried to protect by latching a door.” According to the information available, he was only in the country for three days.

They negotiated their way through an ominous cloud of inequality, and in numerous instances, they helped to alleviate the plight of their forefathers.

Despite the disparities, many triumphed, and their only reward was the peace of mind that came with returning to their parents’ fruit tree.

But once they’ve returned, it appears that many are forced to fend for themselves in the absence of a comprehensive support structure, since they’re routinely targeted.

Many more stories might be told, and I’ve chosen a handful to share here.

Once they’ve cleared customs, many of these retirees appear to be on their own. Despite the presence of a few welcome mats, the trash is buried beneath the carpets.

While other communities work to maintain order and safety, some (thugs) view their victims’ hard-earned cash and other possessions as their own personal property.

They were stabbed to death at their Jamaican “dream mansion” in the parish of Portland: Gayle and Charlie Anderson, both 71 and 74 years old. They grow to aggravate communities over time with their distressing stories.

Gayle and Charlie Anderson Photograph: FCO/PA Photograph: Foreign and Commonwealth Office/PA

My local officials may not know how many individuals have perished in targeted killings over the last decade

Melbourne, 81, and Etta, 70, were found dead at their Saint Thomas holiday house on January 9, 2018.

“Her father was only a few cabinets away from finishing the house he built from scratch,” their daughter stated, in pain.

Melbourne Flake, who was 81, and 70-year-old Etta Flake

Take your rainy-day funds, which you have worked hard and accumulated for decades, instantly with little to no closure.

To find a solution, the country must return to the design for governance.

The death of Delroy Walker in May 2018 reminds us of the danger that few noticed or realize.

After returning to Jamaica from Britain, where he had planned to spend his retirement years giving back to the community, he was stabbed to death.

Photo credit: Steve Walker, whose brother Delroy Walker was murdered in Jamaica

It must have been a fantastic feeling for him to be able to return and give something back, especially to children and teenagers.

In other words, he didn’t come back to rob you of your livelihood, possessions, and opportunities for personal growth. If they’d asked, he’d have offered them some sound counsel.

Through his nonprofit organization, he has campaigned for youngsters by giving back and employing his abilities and resources.

It was a loss to the youths, those who longed for a ray of sunshine that was becoming more difficult to come by on these beaches, that he died too soon.

Concerns raised by Delroy’s killing have reverberated outside the islands, and as a result, many charitable barrels of goods intended for these islands are being reassessed, advertised on eBay and Amazon, or kept in a basement or storage facility out of fear for their recipients’ safety.

Even though his assassins were apprehended, criminal gang enterprises are silently destroying these once-safe communities, posing a serious threat to normal life and having a long-term economic impact.

Karen Cleary, 44, had returned from the United Kingdom and was constructing her dream home in her birth country when she went missing on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

Karen Cleary, 44

Her body was discovered in a shallow grave on her property in Boscobel, St. Mary.

An investigation into the possible identification of a missing Jamaican returning resident named Barbara Findley is currently underway in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, in December 2018.

Sadly, our family’s horrific narrative repeated the same fate as so many other untimely deaths.

After exiting a local bank, Mr.. P. (Uncle P) was slain in his own driveway. In his own way, he had been a part of that 45-year adventure.

In his entire life, he worked in public safety, giving so much back to the community that he left, and all he wanted was to sit back and enjoy the rewards of his labor, which he did as a mentor to me.

Even though he had just lost his wife two months prior, the cause of her death at the hospital remains a mystery.

Citizens in these communities who know the killers shouldn’t blame the police for their silence; they need their help to close some cases.

Many of these cases are still in “investigative status,” meaning they are just closed files, even though the authorities have settled some of them.

Another incident involving a family of returning residents was published on August 15, 2017, in which a thief took their baggage, car, and things after they had left the Norman Manley Airport and abandoned them on the side of the road.

Thankfully, there were no fatalities in this incident. However, as is typical in such situations, an investigation is currently underway with a pattern of low success rate in solving these types of crimes, according to reports.

Many families are aware that their loved ones have been murdered, but would resolving these cases bring closure and be an appropriate way to end someone’s retirement?

The State Department frequently cautions about the prevalence of violent crime in the region, including armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, assault, and rape, particularly among expatriates and visitors.

What is causing this behavior?

More stories like this will continue until people recognize the problem and strongly denounce these atrocities from all political sides.

Crime becomes more enticing to young people when they lack hope or the resources to make a difference in their lives. It’s us, the poor, vs. them over there, plain and simple (rich).

Economic stagnation has also expanded the divide between the haves and have-nots, and some people are suffering from mental illness.

Due to social exclusion, classism, and limited work opportunities, a criminal mindset has developed, perceiving engaging in unlawful activities as the only way  for survival is engaging in unlawful activities.

A “crab in the bucket” mindset was established, in which the bottom was continuously trying to drag the top down, and everyone died because no one ever came out.

Many criminals often perceive other people’s success as a hindrance to their success or an easy way to live a lavish life, and most outcomes are funerals, where no one wins.

The primary focus should have been on drawing on the experiences and successes of returning citizens, many of whom give back to the community and seek mentorship from seniors to pursue a professional route or start a business.

Making quick money through illicit activities appears to be appealing to young people, who, according to local media, have played a significant role in the current increase in crime.

Some have dropped out of school and do not have jobs.

The data that may influence go/stay decisions

As noted, crime is declining, and there will be measures to further reduce the rate, but you can’t ignore that there is a problem, and regardless of whose party is in power, these are systematic issues on many of these shores and other regions.

The Jamaican Observer reports over 1,600 deaths in 2017, so how likely is it that Aunt Suzie will be in the next data set?

Is it now a false sense of security that tourists and returning residents are greeted with a serene and trouble-free atmosphere?

Reports noted that in some of these  English-speaking countries, such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, there are at least 30 murders per 100,000 people.

In comparison to other countries in Europe, these rates are 15 to 30 times greater than those in most European countries, according to various statistics on crime.

There is a worrying rise in the murder rate per 100,000 people in the Caribbean, Central, and South Americas as a whole.

Local leaders in Belize, Belize, El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Panama, and the US Virgin Islands cannot afford to lose sight of this problem because they too have the red carpet out for expats.

More than 350 expatriates have been slain or their goods stolen, making it one of the most dangerous places in the hemisphere to live.

Many people admire their chosen country in the same way that turtles or salmon fish leave after birth to enjoy the broad oceans. Many return to reproduce and create a new generation.

Yes, the crime rate is likely to decrease as new leaders acknowledge its significance for any nation. However, it is also crucial to reflect on the extent to which expats and locals are prepared to relinquish their freedom or power to these new leaders in order to tackle these issues.

Welcome home since your money should be shared regardless of your feelings.

But thre is that hidden danger can be present each day as you enter and leave the comfort of your home to engage in normal daily activities where as reported my criminal will watch and target your every moves

Often, if trust were the only factor, one might hire a contractor or handyman who lacks the necessary technical skills or fails to construct your vision according to the required codes and all the materials you purchased.

As the head of the Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning People, Mr. Percival Latouche went so far as to warn that returning people should not return home.

Latouche reported that “twelve returnees have been killed thus far this year (early December 2018″), and the number of additional funerals he has attended,” according to local reports.

Even though not everyone who visits the Caribbean is raped and murdered, there is an undercurrent of many unsettling tales.

Some 200 British, American, and Canadian expats have been killed in Jamaica since the early 2000s, according to a single study

The number of violent gangs in the area has increased, as has the amount of weapons they possess, according to numerous people. Someone claimed that those that return will be targeted for theft, fraud, or even murder.

In the past, I’ve watched the popular television show “Caribbean Life,” which showcases the best places to live in the Caribbean

But many families who were aware of the local political impasse reported corruption as well as poverty, criminality, and several other manifestations of social inequity that couldn’t be covered in a 30-minute episode of the show.

Uncertainty and safety worries have spread like a virus, keeping many individuals away from these shores, regardless of their intentions.

Minimization is not a solution or blame game; leadership is!

Those who fail to anticipate these challenges and have a clear vision for addressing this public health crisis are simply unable to lead effectively.

Many families are suffering due to government officials’ failure to address these issues and potentially allocate more resources to law enforcement and community support, and even solve these crimes, and helld the crimional accoutable safety and closure to these families.

It is crucial for both the community and their leaders to come together and express stronger opposition to these crimes, recognizing the significant danger they pose to these expats and the community in general.

The idea of blaming, as seen in some reports about many returning residents not learning what to do and what not to do, is not a solution and is simply minimization to try to downplay and divert this systemic problem for decades.

A number of these criminals may be suffering from mental health issues, drug addictions, or a lack of hope and opportunity or be swayed by a cruel ideology.

There have been significant improvements in technology and infrastructure in these communities, indicating progress. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety, rather than solely focusing on the number of visitors at hotels.

Criminals have pushed many communities to the brink of collapse, regardless of political party or leadership. They have become disconnected from the moral compass of their peers and society.

In a retirement community, criminals lurk around every corner, ready to strike like venomous snakes.

They appear to overwhelm the authorities, but before you can implement strategies to reduce the symptoms and eventually eliminate the cause, everyone must acknowledge that this is a major issue.

I worry that multiple serial killers may be monitoring the vulnerabilities of their X-pats and will target the next person’s insights.

Absolutely, you have to examine the facts and come to your own conclusion when you are ready. Crime may be rising or falling, and it depends on your feelings; a better system could help you decide.

This article just examines the sacrifice, some history, the obstacles, and perhaps possible solutions.

PART V

The false sense of security:

Offering attractive seaside, rustic, or secluded living options in exchange for a discount on shipping containers into a gated community may seem like an enticing offer. However, does this arrangement truly resolve the issues that ensure your safety and allow you to live the rest of your life without concerns?

Planning a comfortable retirement involves more than just purchasing a magnificent property. Expatriates’ income deserves stronger protection against money laundering and scams, and good access to healthcare; even close to the one that gave up to retun to their native land.

What’s the point of having multiple keys to your home if your windows are securely barred, trapping you inside like a prison cell fueled by fear and anxiety?

Public safety concerns can can drives individuals to retreat and isolate themselves from the rest of society.

This entails having access to excellent healthcare that does not exploit your fixed income with unnecessary medical costs from tests and surgeries and having someone advocate for your well-being, unlike the families of others designated to have your interest, who use you like an ITM.

Someone mentioned scammers they encountered in their community who would call their house and even try to sell them personal protection for a monthly fee.

Many individuals have chosen to reside in gated communities, but what about the well-being of those who continue to live in the hillside area where they grew up?

The tourist-protected zone alone cannot sustain the Caribbean economy. People often have a strong desire to engage in activities like farming, appreciating nature, or contributing to their community due to their own life experiences.

A paradigm shift in thinking is essential so that the next generation, who may choose to go the same path as their parents, will have fewer questions.

Accountability, security, honesty and peace of mind are priceless.

The expats I’ve encountered, including family members, are remaining in these communities when they would prefer to return to the places they once called home.

Often due to advanced medical conditions such as dementia and the effects of aging, and some have already sold their properties and are now simply counting down the days until their death. This situation is truly unfortunate.

Many multi-million dollar homes with the money they saved are equipped with massive  steel bars and locks to keep them secure from criminals. I often wonder what happens if there is a fire.

As soon as you lose a sense of security, you tend to focus on the person next to you, whether it’s in a taxi, a bus, or even a bank.

Being robbed numerous times after leaving a local bank with a fixed monthly paycheck was not an isolated incident.

Regardless of whether they drive alone, take public transportation, go to the store, or see a doctor, performing these errands as reported, many expats face tremendous risk unless they have a well-supported system.

No region wants its backyard to look bad; but when serious issues are brought to light, victims and other concerned citizens often receive a minimizing response.

As reported, many families and friends are now hesitant to go more than a few kilometers from their homes, or beyond sun set to local groceries stores, or open food market resulting in a loss of revenue to many locals.

Innocent local businesses were deprived of these opportunities. Expats’ much-needed excursions to visit friendly people and beautiful scenery are becoming less frequent.

“One person shared that he and his wife traveled extensively across the country and would love to do it again. However, due to safety concerns, she prefers to stay home more often.

I understand that immigrant experiences will forever link many families to these magnificent coasts around the world, uniting them through heritage, roots, culture, and love. Some may face challenges, but this region is stable, and many have wonderful stories to share; however, hidden dangers are also significant. Feigning safety is not an option for enjoying your retirement or vacation; it is a matter of your rights.

If well-managed islands such as Costa Rica to Belize, panama to Dominica, and possibly Cuba in the near future, along with other regions worldwide, offer attractive features such as low taxes, low crime rates, and a low cost of living, the decision on where the next aircraft will land or ships will dock is op to these leaders.

Research suggests that there is a projected rise in the number of individuals entering retirement in the coming years. I’m still hopeful that things will improve, but like an alcoholic, the first step toward recovery is admitting that you have a problem.

While these stories are based on real experiences shared by friends, family, and others, it’s crucial to keep in mind that each person’s journey and perspective may vary.

Nevertheless, it’s reassuring to be aware that things can only get better.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experiences with us, as we are eager to spread positive stories to others.

Stay safe!

In Jamaica, a 14-year-old girl went missing, murdered, and her body was burned, indicating a disturbing new normal in crime.’

By R.D.

This blog is part of our series and opinion of quality of life, awareness, resilience, public safety, and accountability. It’s an analysis along with the offerings and the areas where we have experts to help with a number of issues.

Her Story/Their Stories

Photo Credit: Latoya Riley, the mother of 14-year-old Yetanya Francis

She’s gone far too soon, and who will be the next victim?

How do you comfort the mother of Yetanya Francis, a young woman who was murdered and maybe raped and molested and whose lifeless body was discovered on August 24, 2018, while out on an errand?

She was cherished and adored by her classmates, community, and friends, and she possessed an infinite number of possibilities.

Regrettably, her future was ruined by an act of violence that many on this coast have witnessed far too frequently, and it was not an accident. Others will have their lives cut short before they have a chance to succeed, which is a tragedy.

Numerous missing and unresolved cases continue to involve young people whose hopes, dreams, and aspirations have been broken by violence.

In light of the atrocities’ unfavorable coverage, many students feel frightened. The loss of a friend or classmate can have lasting psychological effects on some individuals. Unfortunately, several students will not receive the counseling and other assistance they require to cope.

Data from experts show that when these crimes occur, young girls or boys are frequently sexually abused or exploited. These atrocities are not the result of the perpetrators having a bad day that turned out badly.

While this young lady’s death was tragic, it is not unique to Jamaica or any of the Caribbean’s other difficult countries. Many parents are still looking for answers to these types of unsolved cases.

No matter how quickly society moves on to the next hot topic, stories like hers must not be forgotten, and solutions must be sought fiercely by the public and law enforcement officials alike.

I’m hoping it doesn’t dissipate quickly in the aftermath of selective fury.

As long as a sexual predator isn’t caught by law enforcement, or one has been released from an institution, or diagnosed with a mental illness so they can receive the proper treatment, or if someone recognizes someone but chooses to remain silent about a thug terrorizing the streets, who knows who will be the next victim?

In the past, these narratives would have typically occupied a few paragraphs within the crime section of a local newspaper or served as a succinct headline on an evening news outlet. Due to the advent of social media, the dissemination of victim testimonies and the subsequent reactions of public officials have now permeated the global sphere.

Few people, especially those in positions of authority, will admit that these cherished moments of freedom, innocence, and limitless possibilities have been ruined.

After the outrage and protests have subsided, her story will become just another one while these parents deal with their grief and continue to be afraid to send their children to school, local stores, or on future educational school trips.

The data: You’ve got to wonder if this is the norm.

In the first place, violence is all around us, and yet it appears that the most typical technique for dealing with violent acts is to place blame, be pessimistic, and divert attention by referring to other countries that have had similar experiences disguised as minimization.

Each year, the Center for the Exploited and Missing Children reports over 800,000 children missing, or nearly 2,000 children per day. This estimate is based on both foreign and domestic data.

Experts point out that, while this is just a snapshot, this information is not widely available in many countries. As a result, you should start your investigation by focusing on your local missing students or other people and crimes that occurred, as well as the stories of the victims, particularly one who died as a result of the crime.

Every year, almost 20,000 Australian kids go missing.
Every year, 45,288 children go missing in Canada.
Every year, almost 100,000 children are kidnapped in Germany.
The disease affects 96,000 persons in India.
In 2015, Jamaican authorities reported 1,984 children missing.
In 2015, almost 45,000 children went missing in Russia.
Every year, almost 20,000 children go missing in Spain.
Every year, around 112,853 children go missing in the UK.
Every year, an estimated 460,000 children go missing in America.
This mindset of minimizing and comparison causes tension and worry in the victim’s family and the larger public because of the absence of hope.

Who is next, and a few others who have gone before while you deflect?

A multitude of crimes have been perpetrated both before and after 2014. Possibly still under investigation is the murder of 13-year-old Aliesha Brown, who vanished and was found dead on October 2, 2014.

Had they not taken them away, what would their professional route have been?

Photo Credit: Jamaica Observer (Associated Press/J-Flag

Yetanya’s primary concern in life, like many other students around the world, is to travel safely between school and home while traveling safely between school and home, preserving her sense of wonder and naiveté.

Reports indicate that a mob brutally murdered Dwayne Jones, a 16-year-old transgender adolescent, after he attended a street party dressed as a woman. How many others named Dwayne live fearing expressing their true selves?

Individuals who view homosexuals and lesbians as morally repugnant due to their intolerance or harsh beliefs create a chasm in these marginalized and developing communities. This division leads to inadequate medical care and even violence.

Many parents face stigma and hostility because of their children’s sexual orientation or gender identity, causing them to focus more on immediate concerns than on the future.

Countless individuals, not just in this country, live in fear for their safety and experience guilt stemming from societal antagonism. This situation can result in isolation, homelessness, abuse, a lack of resources, and limited access to non-political support groups.

It is difficult to imagine how devastating it would be for these parents to find their child’s lifeless body in the middle of the night—whether on a mountainside, a secluded street in a valley, by a stream, or in a mortuary.

The delicate selective empathy for justice while victims’ tears continue

Regrettably, these headlines fade quickly, which is why so many individuals create reform petitions on social media. While something must change, these victims are frequently forgotten in the arguments.

As previously stated, there is a high level of violence in a number of locations.

The killings, kidnappings, assaults, rapes, and robberies of many people are all too common.

These criminals (thugs) kidnap students and leave their families waiting for days, months, or even years for their return.

Photo by Dellon Thomas

Mentally sick individuals or possible serial killers usually delay, or even join, the crowd and wait out the frequent three to four days of media euphoria aimed at cultivating an erroneous sense of empathy.

A visit by the prime minister or other prominent figures to a victim’s home in response to these heinous atrocities does little to soothe the victims’ sorrow if there are insufficient follow-up resources and no justice for them.

Even with firm embraces or passionate words from community leaders, the cycle of criminality and family pain will continue without community safety and justice for these violent perpetrators.

While they may have good intentions, if the same challenges arise with the same talking points and few resources, it is often just a photo opportunity for them.

There are many victims who have gone undiscovered because of their sexual orientation or because they lack a voice as a result of poverty. They are not members of a certain social class, but they are also deserving of a hug or an update on their case status.

Long-term socioeconomic consequences

By taking the innocent lives of these students, discord is created in these close-knit communities. Crime, in general, is not only a public health issue on many of these shores, but it also undermines the hope and security of students, as well as the nation’s upward mobility.

For instance, these deaths could have contributed to, or may have already stymied, the upward mobility of society’s future scholars, sports stars, counselors, or advocates.

No one benefits from a community that remains mute in the face of fresh realities.
As a result, police jobs become more challenging, and the rate of re-victimization and public safety in the neighborhood continues to decline.

Furthermore, it breeds distrust and depression, complicating crime-fighting efforts, increasing victimization, and eroding one’s sense of security.

People shake with fear and paranoia upon witnessing such violence. Many hardworking and law-abiding people may become victims in the absence of action.

Vigilante justice has become increasingly popular recently due to people’s increasing dissatisfaction, lack of faith in the system, and utter disregard for the rule of law.

Furthermore, it can put innocent individuals at risk while failing to address the root causes of the problem.

Numerous victim stories currently exist and will continue to emerge in the future; therefore, when will the next round of photo opportunities be completed, and when will the process of building an action campaign begin?

What changes have occurred since the last political debate on these issues?

Many political leaders, suffering from selective amnesia, focus on preparing for the next election cycle instead of genuinely addressing the diverse needs of their constituents during their time in office.

Even if new policies and strategies have been developed and implemented, will they be sufficient to deal with the underlying systemic issue that has existed for years?

The leadership race appears to be held in a vacuum, with the purpose of identifying who controls reality.

As I have stated, the terrible reality is that these fears and outrages tend to fade away after a few news cycles, which is unfortunate.

Authorities have repeatedly declared, “We’ll find a solution,” but the surrounding chaos drowns out the cries of the local community.

Some local officials may fear repercussions and choose to remain silent in the face of ongoing violence, suggesting that their deafening silence has contributed to a sense of normalcy.

Often they are told to speak to the pastor, and they serve a purpose. However, I am concerned about the potential consequences if religious institutions, activists, counselors, and educators do not have the resources to inspire and alleviate sorrow while also providing hope and tranquility during these challenging times.

Who is making the decisions?

Organized crime appears to be gaining strength and will soon be able to outgun law enforcement officers, who may already be stretched too thin and lacking in various resources to cope with these new criminal threats properly, according to an increasing number of reports.

Despite the right to hope for better days, there is a quiet sense that the problem is worsening.

Photo by kat Wilcox

Currently, these atrocities, much like political solutions, stem from a systemic problem that is consistently ignored, and those who should be working tirelessly to ensure hope, safety, and tangible results for these cherished cultural communities are not being held accountable for the consequences.

People in many neighborhoods appear to have become numb and indifferent to the steady stream of news reports about violence.

The distrust of police stretches back to colonial times, making it difficult for people to speak up in closing these cases because they regard a few industrious policemen as the enemy.

Trust is further damaged if, as stated, some of those sworn to serve and protect are allocated case numbers as a result of their illicit conduct.

How can the next generation anticipate a brighter future when they witness their peers’ lives abruptly ending with minimal positive influence?

Is it possible that Jamaica, as well as a few other unstable countries, ended up in this situation?

Crime control measures have, of course, been put in place by the country to confront this malignancy of criminality, but many people believe that they have done nothing to restrict the easy availability of high-capacity firearms, to curtail organized crime, or to get to the source of these issues.

No one appears to be ready to speak out about a crime because they are afraid they will be the next victim of a lack of support or protection; hence, many homicides go unsolved. This could be because the police force is too tiny to adequately cover these congested areas.

An incentive in the form of money is appealing, but community policing’s usefulness in building relationships with residents and persuading them that they are not the enemy is invaluable. Officers need your help, but it’s not just about the officers in this case.

Another wave that is rarely told.

Yetanya’s and other young people’s stories have kept me up at night because their single ambition was to be left alone to pursue their dreams.

Some of this societal deterioration can be attributed to economic stagnation, documented corruption, a widening gap between the rich and poor, and high unemployment rates.

If we don’t address this criminal disease, it will only worsen and cause much more social and economic degradation.

This is a far cry from the laid-back and trouble-free atmosphere of Jamaica and a few other troubled islands that frequently welcomed visitors and returning residents.

More than 1,600 people perished as a result of violence in 2017, according to the Jamaica Observer.

Even in areas with a higher level of safety, one would think that law enforcement would have a better handle on these types of crimes. Gunned down while waiting for his son to come home from school, Carlis Blatch worked as an assistant to the Bahamas’ governor-general.

Sadly, even some returning residents who worked their whole lives and returned to enjoy their retirement or make a difference have similar stories.

I’ve decided to highlight a few that are especially dear to me.

Delroy Walker’s death in May 2018 serves as another reminder of the danger that few individuals are aware of and/or willing to confess to others in the community.

After spending time in the United Kingdom and giving back to the island’s youth, he returned to Jamaica only to face attacks and murder.

Photo credit: Steve Walker, whose brother Delroy Walker was murdered in Jamaica

He has been an advocate for youth by giving back and making use of his abilities and resources through the nonprofit organization he established.

He was popular with everyone he met, and spending merely a few minutes with him reveals why: his humanity, love for the community, and upward mobility for the less fortunate, as well as his persistent desire to aid people. Additionally, he was a kind-hearted individual who positively influenced the lives of many.

Criminal groups that are gradually destroying these once-safe communities pose a significant threat to daily life, although the assassins may have been apprehended as of this writing.

Yes! To be sure, I recognize that crime is all too common, as are poverty, inequality, and socioeconomic issues.

Criminal activity becomes more appealing to young people when they lack hope, social support, or the financial means to pursue their dreams.

Delroy’s death may delay the shipment of numerous charitable barrels of goods intended to aid others on the island. These barrels may now be reconsidered, sold online, or kept in storage due to safety concerns. However, leaders must address this issue and allocate resources to tackle the underlying problems.

Many people are losing their sense of normalcy.

Many people, including myself, can afford to stay in a private villa and eat some of the best food available. I prefer to see the real thing, pick my own fruits, and nothing brings me more joy than supporting a local street vendor.

Those with a strong heritage also visit their grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives. But how long will these visits be common if these types of news stories continue?

When I first fell in love with Ras’s business and other local famous spots off the beaten route, I would stop by to gather apples and mangos from Grandma’s fruit trees and wait for Ras’s steamed fish supper to arrive in his handcrafted dish.

Yes, you can still find that, but there are fewer and fewer of them each year, either because of the economic downturn in some areas or because of the threat of violence, and these iconic spots are priceless.

Unfortunately, it is vital to keep an eye out for prospective threats.

Many iconic and cultural hangout shops, restaurants, and bars are now only open in the mornings and closed at night, unless they are located in one of the tourist-protected zones.

There are pockets of danger lurking in these natural events and images, like snake poison, which might strike at any time. These natural occurrences and images are not necessarily healthy.

The reality is that crime is causing some potential visitors to reconsider their stay, despite the pleasant air that caresses your cheek, the beam of sunlight, and the peaceful smile that greets you.

I do not suggest that the entire country is now isolated and violent. Many people continue to enjoy weddings and vacations.

However, authorities must acknowledge that this incredible country has been coping with major crimes for decades, and we cannot dismiss these worries by focusing on the next generation to address the underlying causes.

A shift in perspective is required.

With a chilly breeze that makes you feel like you’ve shed your skin like a snake to take on a new identity and forget your problems as if you were at an all-day spa, the beach’s white sand and turquoise ocean stay unchanged.

Some experts believe that a wide range of early detection, accountability, resources, and community involvement are necessary to combat crime, but they must also acknowledge that major crimes plague the nation.

Individuals who suffer from a sexual mental disorder or other antisocial dangers, as well as other forms of criminality such as rape, should have access to resources to help them change their criminal behavior. These concerns demand a comprehensive evaluation and psychosexual therapy.

The education system, which is critical to preparing the next generation of leaders and rebuilding the middle class, appears to be deteriorating.

Today, many young people have dropped out of school or have to navigate violence in school, are struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and those in higher education have few opportunities for advancement because they are burdened by student loans and empty promises.

To prepare the next generation of leaders and re-establish the middle class, the education system appears to be failing.

As my mother once observed, “pure talk seldom results in action.”

There are many people out there who are unaware of the atrocities occurring in this gorgeous location, but the sun will rise again, and you must continue speaking out.

Tourists remain vital to Jamaica’s economy, yet many young people seek success beyond tourism, aspiring for real opportunities and leadership invested in their future.

After years of photo ops and empty promises, they are now prepared for authentic opportunities, leadership that is invested in their future, and competitive world knowledge that will enable them to succeed, rather than competitive world knowledge that will just help them succeed and not just personal rewards for themselves.

If the correct instruments are utilized to shift course, all is not lost.

Despite the atrocities committed against its people, this island nation has maintained its resiliency and hasn’t lost its will to fight back.

There may be fewer community businesses featuring late-night music and street sellers, but these beats, smiles, and pockets of authenticity will endure.

Photo by James Wheeler

It is still possible to feel the “local smile” and “cool running vibes” in Jamaica. If you’re looking for authentic Jamaican cuisine or a flat tire fix, you can still find them at restaurants and shops that are open to everyone.

But to regain their economic stability and confidence, people must show their passion, even if it is loud, because only they can define what is normal and change what is not.

Coming to terms with the world around you

There were lovely weddings and beaches, but I couldn’t stop thinking about their family and other heartaches, even though I could have eaten, danced, and tried to forget that this wasn’t truly the beautiful scenery.

For me, writing this blog post was therapeutic because I always wonder what 14-year-old Yetanya Francis and Aliesha Brown, as well as many other young people who died too soon, would be like today.

My heart and mind are filled with the thought of a victim crying for help.

I always wish I could go back in time and give them a chance to live because I went to college, lived a good life, achieved the goals I set for myself, and lived my life the way I wanted.

Yes, society must maintain hope. While hope alone is not a strategy, we cannot give up; change is essential, particularly to provide young people with opportunities for success. We need to nurture this hope. Communities, regardless of their geographical distance, must support one another to bring an end to this madness.

If only they had been given a chance. Who knows what their futures could have looked like today!

Chinese and others are coming, coral reefs are dying, public beaches are disappearing; will mountains, food, communities, and languages follow?

BY R.D.

A crucial or strategic marriage:

PART- I

Many governments recognize the importance of modernization and are making efforts to improve their infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, stadiums, and technology.

Several residents, however, have voiced their reservations about the prospect of foreign investment, arguing that it provides the impression that impoverished and developing nations are being treated as though they were still under the control of their colonial masters.

It’s as if the rule-making process is reserved for the wealthy, powerful, and politically connected. Recently, numerous studies and publications have focused on China’s expanding global influence.

Experts noted that China may not be the sole source of these new investments, but the number of Chinese-based companies, especially in the Caribbean and several African countries, is expanding at an alarming rate, and many local mom-and-pop shops are being displaced by Chinese-based businesses.

Nonetheless, it is impossible to deny the massive changes that occur when new owners take over what was previously a locally owned grocery and electronics store.

Who actually reaps the benefits of these ostensibly advantageous investments? Is it the people who are most in need or those who stand to benefit personally from leadership or other political connections?

What strategies do these leaders utilize to effectively manage any repercussions of their decisions?

Although I lack expertise in Chinese expansion and do not personally own a local business in any of the locations I have looked into, it is important to acknowledge that this issue has become a significant global geopolitical concern.

According to some economists, the main reason certain developed countries are upset is that they lost out on these lucrative investment prospects, while others have politicized the issue.

Hey, they keep coming in, huh?

There is a growing concern among residents that this platform may lead to an influx of cheap goods, leaving the local goods and services to be overshadowed and swept away like debris.

I spoke with a few experts and friends to gain a deeper understanding of the trend, but they cautioned that little can be done in these political systems, especially in impoverished and developing countries, where the leader frequently retains the final say on deals despite citizen complaints.

Despite open disagreements, industrialized nations often maintain relationships in other crucial areas.

If your country gets a cold when they cough or you get a gift you can’t refuse, it’s not a marriage, but an arrangement.

As I’ve already mentioned, it’s quite intriguing to contemplate where certain leaders choose to draw the line. Or perhaps they can now undo the influence that has engulfed their communities.

These tempting delicacies are hard to resist.

While this topic may spark heated debates globally, it’s worth noting that certain countries face challenges such as low credit ratings, high corruption rankings, and significant issues like crime rates, brain drain, and disinvestment from other industries.

It is not anti-Chinese, and neither are their investments. Many of these countries have Chinese descendants and businesses that date back decades to colonial rule.

Furthermore, they cannot be held accountable for a range of other local sandstorms, such as high unemployment, crime, poor education, poor leadership, and a failure to lift people out of poverty. I will go over some of these things later.

They have, however, made significant contributions to the development of several impoverished and developing countries. My primary focus is on marriages that may require future counseling.

These eye-catching treats, resembling a dangling Pinata of some sort. A Pinata, on the other hand, frequently leaves behind a mess that must be cleaned up by someone else after the celebration is over.

This vibrant hanging package has succeeded in convincing numerous political leaders to go on strike in order to obtain some of its treats.

The unfortunate reality of poor governance, economic stagnation, persistent crime, increasing inequality, and poverty is that they all frequently open the door to forced marriages in the hope of finding a better life somewhere else.

But, once the honeymoon period is over, what will it take to maintain the community’s socioeconomic and environmental relationship when the marriage’s true purpose is revealed?

Additionally, when the dirty laundry of high debt accumulates, they now hold the key to your main house and can decide who gets in and who gets out.

Consider expats who send food products to their families that used to be a lifeline, or the expense of clearing an online purchase from another country with advancements in technology.

Are the recent tax hikes implemented by your government leaders, some of whom possess unchecked authority on import fees, especially as reports have indicated many of these ports are not owned by the local governments or private companies?

Therefore, as some have argued, these fees amount to a deterrence to purchase imported goods locally. One report also noted many locals can no longer afford to shop online due to fees that often exceed the price of the item purchased from another country.

These items can now be found at a charming local store in the international flair isles.

Additionally, airport security may compel you to pay for personal items such as shoes, electronics, or gifts for loved ones. Again, one visitor noted the recent frustration of having to clair the local customs; she is no longer considering bringing any personal items.

A close-up look at a few weddings.

Strategic partnerships and diplomacy are always beneficial, and here are just a few examples from the archives; you can add your own.

According to reports, it’s worth mentioning that Chinese lenders have a significant stake in Africa’s private and public external debt, which has skyrocketed to $696 billion from 2000 to 2020, marking a more than fivefold increase.

Nigeria

Nigera

South Africa

Of course, there may be a few instances of debt forgiveness, but it’s really just a drop in the bucket when you consider how it extends to other regions like the Caribbean.

Collaboration between these islands remains critical, for economic growth to move peopel out of poverty. It makes no difference who received the first slaves to the Caribbean.

Zembarwae

The economics and the complexity of colonization and the slave trade have already resulted in significant psychological harm across the region. They are, however, inextricably linked, and what happens there may have consequences here.

It’s obvious that foreign investments can have a positive impact on various aspects of a country, such as public safety, education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure, as noted earlier. This is especially true when these investments bring in new technology and address existing challenges.

The question remains: at what cost to the residents, culture, customs, and weekend market if soon everything is now sold in a building with well-packaged items, and there is no longer a place on the street where you may pull over despite the danger of oncoming traffic to get a fresh fruit or vegetable to eat on a long trip?

Massive imports had washed out their crops, leading the local farmers to lose faith in rain as they moved indoors.

China has a lot of money and power in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This isn’t a new thing for some of the countries in the region.

Caribbean region

We understand the important role of the United Nations in preventing conflict, assisting parties in it, addressing poverty, and striving to balance various geopolitical issues through the deployment of peacekeepers and the creation of conditions for peace.

Today, I asked about CARICOM and other African agencies that were established to provide a platform for the underrepresented.

According to reports, a large number of low-interest loans have been made available for medical centers and stadium construction projects in Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, and Jamaica, to name a few.

As many have observed in different regions, there may be potential risks involved, like “debt traps” or imbalanced diplomacy.

Driving on the road they sponsored, which spans around 65 km one-way, can be costly for the majority of Jamaicans due to the toll collected by the Chinese developer, as recently reported.

The dates that led many of them to today’s table.

China, for example, began its Caribbean diplomacy in the early 1970s, or what you might term its master plan. It all began with a high-level visit in 1998 by former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, who opened an embassy in Beijing and forged a Caribbean Economic and Trade Co-operation.

As early as 2005, Jamaica held the inaugural China-Caribbean trade fair, and this pattern continues today, with no input from the people who elected these decision-makers.

Several reports have stated that Jamaica alone owes China $650 million in debt, with the amount escalating by the day. This is not only in Jamaica but throughout the region.

Photo Credit: 2012-12-1: Reception Celebrating Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Jamaica

In the long run, experts say, with billions of dollars owed by the government, these lenders may decide what is best for these countries.

Although loans can be beneficial for development projects, it is crucial to thoroughly examine them, particularly those that could pose a potential risk to the environment and create a long-term financial burden for future generations, potentially uprooting them from their way of life.

Tian Qi (R), China’s ambassador to Jamaica, and Jamaican foreign minister Kamina Johnson

A recent loan was awarded for border security reasons: One individual contended that “a loan was highlighted for border security, and since when have countries like Jamaica and China had border issues?”

Furthermore, the country is not experiencing a political crisis, and local residents are not migrating to neighboring islands, parishes, or counties.” But you get the point, so let’s move on while there’s still some sand on the ground.

Many partners are waiting in different places, and many have been served.

Additionally, Forbes noted that China has established itself a prominent role in Africa’s urbanization acceleration, as a sizable portion of the continent’s infrastructure programs is led or financed by Chinese corporations.

China has surpassed the United States as Africa’s largest trading partner, with Sino-African commerce exceeding $200 billion per year.

Even though many African and Asian countries have joined the polygamous families, many experts believe that China’s “socialist market economy (SOEs) and its interests in Africa are geared toward securing enough energy, resources, and minerals to feed its industrialization program.”

Once again, experts must determine whether other industrialized countries should intensify their efforts to secure a share of this lucrative market.

What next? They may need to speak Mandarin.

Who is in charge of these marriages or debt diplomacy:

This is a delicate balance because most decisions in impoverished and emerging countries are political, and ruling party leaders have the last say.

Unlike some of our parents, many of us are more curious and educated about the sacrifices they have made. Some have passed on without seeing the fruits of their labor.

 Li Keqiang, P.M. Portia Simpson Miller

For many expats, the connection is forged through our shared heritage, deep roots, or simply a genuine love. We view the ocean from a unique vantage point, far removed from the glitz and glamour of the signing ink and red carpet.

While the is not an indictment on any current or previous leadership, many people are wondering who will be responsible for the next generation’s repayment.

Even if some of these arrangements are on camera, what happens when the camera is turned off, and strategic media only reports on the benefits because they, too, want to be on the good side of any ruling party?

During times of instability and need, political systems may not have the finest credit rating. However, some analysts have questioned who will benefit from long-term investments.

The ultimate goal of opening these marriages remains unclear. Today, in the midst of all the glitz and glamour, it seems that these agreements are only exacerbating the divide between the rich and the rest of society.

Given the progress made by several Caribbean islands, African countries, and other places as a result of their investments, it is worth analyzing if they currently have any alternative possibilities, especially compared to other nations that have shifted their focus.

Nonetheless, the question remains: where is the equilibrium, especially if your traditions, as some have pointed out, are dwindling?

The situation boils down to this: once the milk has been obtained from the cow, can it freely roam and graze on a lush patch of green grass without any barriers to prevent it?

Dominica Republic

Trinidad & Tobago

Who is on the side of the poor when investment bankers are on the side of the rich, or is it always a financial investment or a covert exploitation?

“You cannot expand trade agreements or achieve other progress while seeing your international competitiveness diminish. “Where are the long-term economic benefits to indigenous peoples in terms of raising their level of living?”

Trinidad & Tobago

Numerous experts have noted that poverty rarely transforms, while many leaders have benefited from a slice of the global pie. As previously stated, these arrangements frequently have a remarkable similarity to colonialism with a fresh face, whether forced or not.

I own your ports, roads, and markets now what next on the agenda?

Those governments may be forced to use their own land as collateral if their investors’ ATMs start ringing for payments and these countries cannot afford to pay them back.

You may soon need to master these investors’ language in order to conduct business.

While new businesses may have helped to reduce unemployment rates in some areas, poverty endures due to widespread underemployment, low-skilled careers that earn low income, and little or no employee protection for individuals employed by these businesses.

Furthermore, when some of these new businesses are created, they frequently bring their employees with them. The few locals who have found work have no career path to management, and have no job security.

These issues, if not addressed holistically, not only result in the loss of the middle class but also in the relocation of people from coastlines, as I have seen the sand being swept from their feet.

Unfortunately, many elected officials, who frequently appear to benefit by the accords, as experts have stated, frequently fail to maintain environmental damage while using the media to create false impressions, particularly during an election cycle.

Regrettably, it seems that the local stores aren’t the only aspect of society that requires a delicate equilibrium in these investments.

There seems to be a correlation between the trendy new food package and the limited supply of locally grown yams, bananas, and avocados.

Today, some believe that locally produced products, such as fruits and vegetables, are relegated to tiny niches, such as information carriers covered by international media, while local customs and cultural identity are pushed to the back rack of these stores.

PART- 2

Everything is on the table, including the coasts, oceans, and mountains.

I aimed to demonstrate that everything is interconnected; however, I ended up making this report longer than intended, so I chose to include part two to capture these tides.

Experts have noted that NGOs and government programs have contributed billions of dollars to climate change programs in poor and developing countries, despite the lack of accountability for the Ecosystem Partnership Fund.

Photo by Pixabay

Some residents believe that not much progress has been made and that more could have been done today to tackle environmental issues arising from some of these modernization projects.

Despite the fact that polls conducted by local governments constantly reveal that these communities want the government to force firms to report climate risks before beginning any project.

Some countries have done a decent job, but as previously stated, access to ATMs can easily lead to forgetting to inspect your surroundings.

Specialists and educators, trained to monitor and manage these long-term consequences, often go unnoticed.

There have been proposals, environmentalist meetings, stream cleaning, and improved trash disposals, but concerns are frequently caught in the political whirlwind.

Poor environmental and economic policies often lead to the uprooting of valuable places, despite it being a global concern.

Regrettably, the delineation of boundaries remains elusive, particularly due to the closure or downsizing of key businesses that once served as the backbone of these countries in the past decade, leaving many residents with limited opportunities to secure alternative, safe, and well-paying employment.

Erosion is unconcerned about which party is in power. However, it is highly likely that the party leading these ventures will hold power in these nations for an extended period. I have no data on that, but that’s normally the case.

Yes, certain much-needed global investments have enhanced the quality of life in some areas, such as tax revenue to governments and job creation, but experts caution that they may have long-term detrimental consequences for their local environment. This reinforces the point.

Off-Camera Reality:

Reports indicate that leaders in various underdeveloped countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, are actively seeking exploration permits and may have already engaged in negotiations to exploit renowned undeveloped mountains and coastlines that are ecologically significant.

Some of these areas should be preserved because of their cultural and historical significance. People also had to deal with the long-term effects of mining operations that left certain areas vacant after the minerals were mined.

This is an issue that may be seen while traveling on some local picturesque roads, where the poor are sometimes abandoned or exploited as experiment rats to navigate leftover chemicals or abandoned plants after they have benefited and left town.

Some leaders may plant a few trees in some communities in the run-up to an election, before a trip to global events (Paris Agreement) on climate change, or when international organizations asked for an update, but as environmental experts have stated, it fundamentally requires more work to change course.

Others argue that even after leaders leave office, they will benefit financially from the new arrangements.

In case you forgot, here are the effects.

I’m not an expert on global climate change, but ignoring community concerns and recommendations may lead to more dangerous issues, regardless of the political side, and everyone will suffer.

If these areas are not regenerated with trees or other facilities, runoff from paved surfaces may be collected by insufficient drainage or an inadequate infrastructure system and discharged into the water, bypassing wastewater treatment plants.

Photo by Pixabay

Several environmental studies have indicated that mining has a negative impact on water quality and availability, as well as deforestation and destruction of forests.

Furthermore, it has the potential to induce erosion in places far from its current location. They typically increase pollution, which can lead to extra health issues and lower local farmers’ crops owing to toxicity that contaminates the soil and crops.

The public must have access to the findings and recommendations of a certified and independent local environmental body, as well as the identities and heads of companies conducting exploration and long-term impact studies.

What lies ahead: Seeing the wedding’s impact upfront

As part of Earth’s ecosystem, tropical coral reefs are essential. The island’s beauty and marine life will suffer if the coral reef continues to erode.

Toxic- and bacteria-free waterways allow a local fisherman to feed his family while drawing tourists and improving air quality. This is a link where the positive impact helps to keep a local pub or corner store open.

In some areas, it appears that fire was extinguished beneath the sea. Warmer temperatures have also been recorded on these islands.

Nevertheless, we took a glass-bottom boat tour on a recent trip with a couple of friends and family. Our tour guide tried to persuade us that it was the best coral in the area.

Photo) of coral reef

I wondered whether he’d never visited to other regions of the Caribbean with favorable environmental policies to have a better sense of what a healthy coral reef should look like, or if he was just going through the steps as part of his job.

As with fading plants on land, many of that section coral reefs look like they could use some water to survive despite being in the ocean. It appeared like only a couple of the smaller fish remained for the entire 20-minute trek.

Unfortunately, there are many other places where the ocean is almost at the front steps of local homes overlooking some of these once-beautiful public beaches, and people may have to risk having the sand-swept away from under their feet because there has been little or no investment to protect these areas.

Furthermore, algae-eating Parrot-fish serve an important function in coral reef ecosystems by eliminating algae that compete with corals. Everyone must play a role, including those who want to transform the landscape for profit.

Despite a difficult economic climate, local farmers must be educated and persuaded to pursue fishing in some areas.

According to the report, intensive fishing also has been a major contributor to the decline over the last several decades. However, I’m not sure about the fishing rules, and how they can be enforced without further conflicts.

Certainly, it is important to consider that China cannot be solely held responsible for the issues faced by other communities and local leadership.

However, numerous observers have highlighted that the rapid changes in the landscape, while beneficial in terms of modernization as mentioned earlier, have resulted in a society that is divided and poses risks to the health and livelihoods of some areas.

Who is to blame?

Development or gentrification has overtaken portions of many region’s cultures that appear to be disappearing from the hillside to local shops or a short visit to the fish market, depending on how you see it.

The lack of transparency, accountability, even corruption, and ignorance that has been documented in many impoverished and developing countries has caused anger, distrust, and violence, but what about those that are self-inflicted for the reasons stated?

Unfortunately, no one can say for certain because there are numerous unknown investors, local governments, and even self-interested individuals who may or may not live in these communities and are making decisions that solely benefit themselves.

Regardless of how these countries evolve over the next few decades, the balance remains precarious. Democracy appears to be practiced only on election day in some of these countries, and if we are not careful, it will vanish like the beautiful sand.

Undeveloped coasts can be gorgeous, and some regions can cause you to forget your own phone number and flight time.

A few once-open valued areas, however, have become an idea for many local residents, who used to enjoy a day at the beach, a weekend getaway with the family, or a short pit stop to cool off after a long drive.

There are fewer places to unwind as a result of development. They are forced to travel long distances to avoid paying hefty fees.

The video camera that records reality

Following the broadcast of Part Unknown, a documentary by the late Anthony Bourdain, on CNN on Sunday, November 17, 2014, some viewers became aware of the hidden stratification challenge.

This story beautifully captures the dynamic and captivating nature of the waves of change that swept away the essence from those shores and countless others.

Many cultural legacies are associated with these beautiful places, but few are willing to sell their souls for money.

It seems that some people with wealth have a knack for using the soothing vibes of love to subtly undermine the original culture and its environment, as we can see in this documentary.

The lost voices in the fog, on the hill, and across the white sand and blue waters

Now, the pressing question that many of these communities are wrestling with is: who should be held responsible – the investors, the phenomenon of reverse colonialism, or their local leaders?

It’s rather interesting to observe how many of these leaders, who frequently champion patriotism, cultural preservation, and environmental concerns, ultimately discover themselves joining the ranks of the elite and the wealthiest once they venture into politics in the Caribbean and African regions, as experts have noted.

This situation has left people scratching their heads and pondering how it all came about.

For a young police officer, teacher, nurse, or even support staff with a modest salary and a limited budget, buying a home in an area where they can contribute to the safety, health, and education of the community seemed like an insurmountable challenge. This was especially true in areas near these beautiful beaches.

If some individuals believe they are not given a fair shot in the economy or that their problems are not being addressed, such attitudes can lead to crime, violence, and more division.

A local street vendor identified one of the remaining natural beaches, and he described the legal battle he had fought to stay there.

Some of us can afford to stay in a handful of these hotels, where everything is a one-stop shop, but what about the local creators who may earn money by selling handmade gifts a few blocks from these new doors?

If these investments aren’t carefully balanced, they might have a lasting negative impact on the surrounding areas, which are crucial for their well-being.

My purchase from Ras on the outside gated beach

Underneath the comforting feelings, there is a friendly grin that welcomes you. The street vendor asserts that ensuring everyone receives their fair share presents a significant challenge for the legislative body.

The idea that a public park would be inaccessible is difficult to fathom.

Personal accountability, however, is still crucial, as mentioned earlier. A different seller said, “Some of these now-closed coastlines that became private beaches were the result of self-inflicted injuries by residents.”

When the area was free, it was scattered with trash and criminal activities, but no one appears to care any longer. Someone say the gen in the sand, built the area, and today part of the previously free access comes at a premium.

Economic and environmental policies enacted by the government should benefit everyone, not just wealthy capitalists. A delicate balance must be struck to preserve their natural habitat while also providing them with a chance to live a decent life.

Conflict, violence, and isolation are the inevitable results of policies that further restrict the upward mobility of people and raise the risk of health problems, according to experts.

Tango needs two individuals to sustain its rich posture, dance, history, and culture.

Yes, these things happen in a capitalist system, but how should they be balanced?”

Nothing will stop sand from being gently pushed beneath their feet unless concerned residents hold political authorities and even powerful environmental groups responsible.

The quality of life will suffer if there is no leadership to protect the natural beauty of these places.

Even though I will not have a vote on the next phase of any proposed project, nor will I have a financial stake in these contracts, I believe that environmental and social policies may coexist in harmony as long as they are balanced and beneficial to all.

“My island don’t sell out,” said Burning Spear, one of Jamaica’s favorite reggae stars, in a song. I believe the Lyrics traverse many oceans, mountains, rivers, and hills across the world.

I’m still hoping that the sun will shine once the clouds have passed.

See you again soon!

The Complexities and Challenges Faced by Rape Victims in the Caribbean

BY R.D.

This blog is part of our series and opinion of quality of life, awareness, resilience, public safety, and accountability. It’s an analysis of the offerings and the areas where we have experts to help with a number of issues.

PART I

He strikes once more: another warning about sexual assault:

Stuck in traffic on a commuter bus one evening heading home from work, I came across an article published on October 2, 2018, by the Detroit Free Press about two women raped in Jamaica at an exclusive hotel by an employee hired a few days earlier.

He climbed onto a balcony, carrying a handgun, and committed a heinous act by assaulting both individuals in their hotel room. The victims responded by firing back and injuring him in the arm with his own weapon.

He was caught after he went to a nearby hospital for medical help, and the hospital informed the authorities.

The local authorities apprehended this individual for questioning regarding other alleged rape cases in a neighboring area, but he managed to escape on foot. This search, like countless others before it, led to a disappointing outcome.

Re-victimization might occur from the additional barrier of minimization.

There are those who contend that the issue extends beyond the Caribbean, encompassing multiple incidents and misunderstandings.

The Caribbean region has been grappling with the complex issue of effectively addressing sexual violence for decades. One approach used is to shift focus away from unfavorable media attention by minimizing the problem.

It is a common tactic for individuals and even some organizations to employ this approach to avoid taking responsibility, but the truth is that no country can anticipate the specific media coverage related to rape or sexual assault.

Several reports indicate that the absence of resources and a prevailing sense of despair are contributing factors, especially in situations where there is no collaboration among businesses or local authorities.

The question remains: Is there a sex offender registry, and is it beneficial for alerting potential employers, even in schools and the community in general, to reduce potential risk?

I discussed it on social media with several people. Unfortunately, some people ignore the challenges women face when dealing with this issue. Sadly, some blame them for rape, which can hinder their pursuit of justice.

Studies have shown that in some cases of rape, there is a common assumption that the perpetrator may have used flirting behavior to lure the victim or that the victim’s clothing or behavior outside the home may have been considered provocative or promiscuous.

Equally important in finding a safe space for all victims to come forward is debunking the belief that men cannot be raped.

Experts estimate that one in every five women and one in every 71 men will experience rape at some point in their lives. This includes 46.4% lesbians, 74.9% bisexual women, and 43.3% heterosexual women.

The reality!

Sexual assault is a serious crime that involves engaging in non-consensual sexual activity against someone’s will, regardless of factors such as location, attire, flirting, or conversation.

What follows when individuals step forward is often a challenging ordeal, particularly when it comes to substantiating their accounts, especially in areas with limited resources. Additionally, there is a prevailing mindset of blaming the victim, and lack of training.

This thinking discourages victims from reporting sexual assault instances and contributes to the isolation of these crimes along these lovely shores. It is critical to address them swiftly and hold those involved accountable.

The claim that silence or the act of reporting it late reduces credibility. Also, when victims refuse aid, this thinking must be corrected.

Far too often,  these conversations usually lose sight of the victim, especially if it does not look good for these locations.

As I repeat all the time, I have a few sisters, a ton of nieces and nephews, friends, and family, and some of them had similar experiences.

Approximately 2.6 percent of males have reported being raped or having someone they know or trust try an unwelcome sexual act on them.

Over 81.3 percent of female victims were raped before 25. Yes, shame or taboo masks many of these crimes, and the perpetrators remain in the community. Many will kidnap and murder victims.

Just 25 of every 1,000 offenders, meantime, will face jail time experts have noted.

PART II

Time for a discussion

After the Jamaican event, many victims have bravely shared their personal experiences at some prominent five-star hotels.

This is a widespread problem: a victim shared that her story stayed hidden for many years, as fearful teenagers were afraid of ruining their parents’ beloved vacation. Like many others, she kept her horrific trauma to herself.

What if society quantified the potential long-term effects on her future relationships, perspectives, and mental health, as well as those who did not  survive? Can you give a monetary value on that?

What if these hotels were treated like a college campus?

According to surveys, roughly 28% of college students experienced unwanted sexual contact. It would serve the same purpose as any other sign in deterring crises or raising awareness.

Photo by Athena

Perhaps new welcome packages for all visitors should include a section on how to deal with sexual assaults, suspicion, and unwanted behavior, as well as available resources.

The emphasis, particularly in resorts, is simply on raising awareness, providing adequate services, and providing victims with a safe haven.

The gay and lesbian community has also been the victim of rapes and murders. These cases face significant challenges due to the widespread belief that same-sex relationships are sinful.

As previously stated, 25 to 35 percent of women will experience rape at some point in their life, with many choosing not to report the occurrence.

Who are those who don’t make headlines?

Every nine minutes, a child falls prey to a terrible fate. Only a small fraction of offenders, 25 out of every 1,000, will be incarcerated. I won’t go into any further statistics, but I’m sure you understand the concept.

I want to emphasize this point: when faced with these headlines, minimizing the issue or using victims for political gain is not the solution. Take action!

Discover the untold stories of those who have yet to speak up, such as the resilient high school kids. Indeed, Aunt Jane or a young man who continues to sing in the church choir while immersed in the Bible and waiting for the pastor’s verdict could be the one you fear.

Photo by RODNAE Productions

The two victims’ stories remain unchanged, but they open another door to the source of this problem: violence will always exist, but justice and accountability are crucial for addressing these issues.

Consider an employee whose livelihood depends on their finances, who witnesses these sexual predators daily in a hostile atmosphere but remains silent out of fear.

I am not shifting from the two victims’ stories, but they open another door to the source of this problem: violence will always exist, but justice and accountability are essential for addressing the source of this problem. There will always be violence, but justice and accountability remain important to address these issues.

My opinion is that I should use the tools I have not only to combat violence but also to raise awareness about the topic.

I am concerned about the abrupt disappearance of a local worker, teacher, or student who lacks resources or a voice at the hands of someone familiar with the system, as well as the potential harm posed by predators in the community.

Even after believing her in this situation, what are the consequences?

Some victims have expressed concern that some perpetrators are being released into the community with few or no treatment options.

Sure, there may be new policies to address this issue, but they are never at the right pace for victims or many others.

If they can afford bail, these communities frequently release many offenders back into society.

Unfortunately, some may strike again, not only revictimizing existing victims but also creating new ones. However, we could improve sentencing, particularly in terms of victim rights, rehabilitation, tracking, and swift punishment, to reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Victims frequently spend several hours at police stations filing an incident, and an opportunity to collect DNA evidence, if equipped, quickly fades.

Reporting rape or domestic violence incidents is not always handled properly, as some victims report.

“The victim may have had a relationship with the perpetrators, leading to the overcoming of unrealistic suspicions.”

Here’s the other ridiculous one: they’re married, and these archaic laws need to be changed, and a call to a pastor won’t do it.

According to reports, many rural courts lack the resources to even order an expert assessment to diagnose and treat these dangerous offenders.

There are concerns about cases being held for extended periods before trial, while some predators are released on bail, free to move like the ocean, only to target victims and re-offend.

Specialized training to handle sensitive cases remains a problem. We conducted some of the victims’ interviews in public. When someone arrives, poorly run and underfunded medical systems lack the skills and authority to guide them.

In an earlier report, it was stated that a foreign student on a study abroad program was sexually assaulted and robbed and that she was brought to the airport in her pajamas and covered in dried blood after spending nine hours in a hospital.

Ideological shifts or a blame game

How many rape cases in the region resulted in a conviction, were dismissed, or went unresolved? Several women who still live on these islands or have migrated have similar stories but have chosen to remain silent.

Law enforcement, like any other organization, faces challenges in locating and resolving criminal cases due to limited resources.

The Caribbean region and its gated resorts are currently at a crucial point in their efforts to address complaints promptly and efficiently. To effectively address these challenges, it is imperative to prioritize education, training, and accountability.

The US Embassy has also expressed concerns regarding incidental incidents involving sexual assaults in hotel rooms, casinos, and cruise ships. According to a report from 2014, there were unfortunate incidents involving a woman who experienced gang rape and other individuals who were subjected to sexual assault at the Sandals Resort in the Bahamas.

According to recent reports from Mexico, it has been observed that around 170 tourists experienced health issues, and there have been instances of blackouts involving the use of date rape drugs and contaminated alcohol in beverages.

Reports have shown approximately 70 Americans alone have reported incidents of sexual assault in Jamaica over the past seven years.

Regrettably, numerous narratives like this may fade into obscurity, while more than half a million individuals will revisit these islands for a holiday. However, it has sparked a crucial dialogue and heightened awareness along these shores.

The institutional barriers and the economics of rape:

Tourism has historically been the Caribbean region’s economic motor, even after former colonial rulers left more of the region.

According to analysts, this business contributes to as much as 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on some islands (GDP)

Managers invest billions of dollars in resources, so while keeping a positive image is important, they must prioritize safety and require accountability to overcome any impediments that could hurt their financial health.

For example, a discussion can explore hiring managers’ practices and determine whether cheap labor or a connection is more important than a background investigation.

In all cases, ensure you’re treating everyone fairly, but a thorough background investigation is essential.

Local managers and human resources must now re-evaluate their hiring policies and practices, even though it is difficult to determine the intent of these predators.

This process would verify an individual’s identity and confirm their criminal record, education, and employment history.

This international case may not impact the island and others with rape cases. This should serve as a wake-up call rather than a tourism embargo. Unfortunately, most victims seek answers privately due to a lack of resources.

However, if there were widespread calls to avoid some of these areas, it might send a different message, even though, as previously stated, it would negatively impact their bottom line.

Furthermore, reports point to the slow pace of the judicial system or overcrowding in corrections as another systemic issue, despite laws that hold offenders accountable for their actions on these islands.

PART III

Do you truly know who committed the crimes?

Then there’s someone you know and trust, like a family member, someone in authority, or a powerful person in the community who everyone looks up to, or someone who has serious mental health issues but has never been treated.

See if you can spot the wolf in sheep’s clothing

You also can’t rule out the possibility that this person was a victim in the past. Because there was no justice or safe place to tell his story, he may have sought revenge as a form of payback. This experience could lead to gratification and obsession, eventually evolving into an ideology that will never fade.

Reports indicate that many sex offenders have schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders and are three times more likely to have a history of bipolar disorder.

While this information is not an excuse, it raises the question of how to govern effectively to prevent such incidents from making global headlines. This is not the first time such events have occurred in Jamaica or the surrounding area.

Moreover, as previously noted, the authority and respect these individuals hold in their communities, combined with a failure to collaborate with local law enforcement and other services, often provide them with a platform to continue their behavior.

For example, consider a doctor who is more interested in her patients’ underwear than in conducting a basic examination or a teacher who exploits the vulnerability of a young student.

These microaggressions, much like misogyny, pose similar risks to those faced when traveling on public transportation with an offender, getting into an unregistered taxi, or dealing with untreated mental illness.

Speak up to effect change, and demand accountability.

The “Me Too” movement has given victims a platform to speak out about their horrifying experiences with powerful men who have misbehaved.

Several organizations survived, and the culture endures, even though few men faced termination or criminal charges.

Feminist movements have highlighted men’s motivation for sexual violence, which is a desire to exercise dominance over women. To lessen the risk to society, we must treat those involved, constantly monitor them, and hold them accountable.

According to experts, treatment for sexual offenders has improved to reduce recidivism. Experts have modified and refined various theoretical and practical models. Accountability and treatment are critical for both the victim and the offender.

Incarcerating them without treatment and releasing them back into the community because they don’t age out can have predictable consequences and potentially put the community at risk. Whether castrated or not, they require rehabilitation.

In addition, there should be a national registry that keeps track of these offenders, with close monitoring.

When will the next law enforcement operation begin to capture sexual predators, whose dysfunctional brains make them as dangerous as any other high-powered weapon?

While I have no financial or political ties, I believe in humanity, public safety, rehabilitation, and accountability. I should also mention that I write for free.

Whether you have a strong connection to these beautiful vacation destinations—through heritage, roots, or culture—you serve as unofficial ambassadors, enthusiastically encouraging others to visit; no one is truly safe until we all are safe.

When others suffer, it impacts us all.

Have you seen Johnny’s Doctor? Medical Uncertainties of Being Poor, Even Rich and Sick in Jamaica`

By R.D.

This blog is part of our series and opinion on quality of life, awareness, wellness, public safety and accountability. It’s an analysis along with other areas where we have experts to help address a number of issues.

The Eternal Struggle of Inefficiency, Politics, Complication, Implicit Bias, and Bureaucracy!

Access to adequate and affordable health care continues to be a significant factor in global mortality rates, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other medical experts.

While the medical profession strives to treat all patients equally, healthcare inequalities and disparities persist. Colonial rule along these Caribbean shores has left a legacy of disparities and social disadvantages.

According to the expert, a significant portion of the global population, approximately 2.4 billion people, currently lack access to basic healthcare facilities.

Whose responsibility is it to ensure the well-being of individuals: elected officials or the private sectors that dominate this industry, particularly in impoverished and developing countries?

In countries where the healthcare system is managed by the government, there can still be a significant wait to receive the necessary treatment. According to experts, this problem has resulted in numerous deaths each year, particularly among those who are economically disadvantaged.

The sad reality is there are two healthcare systems, not only in the poor and developing nations but also in the wealthy ones. Are refugees in private wards getting the right diagnosis, care, and treatment? However, the issue is not about the rich but about those we often overlook or forget who need the same care

Witnessing the medical tragedy firsthand. Our long X-ray of the system!

Our family’s tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic problems within the medical practices on this lovely island, which are often minimized or treated as if they are normal. 

While the coastlines, beaches, sunsets, and friendly smiles are undeniably enchanting, falling ill can be a challenging ordeal, particularly for those who are impoverished and lack necessary medical care or support.

There are highly skilled doctors available in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. Their contribution has played a crucial role in upholding the standard of life on these islands.

Being a doctor or a leader in the medical field comes with significant authority, trust, responsibility, and accountability. They are highly respected, even more so than armed police officers, local judges, pastors, or politicians.

Even if some patients struggle to read their medical notes, healthcare professionals always respect their prescriptions and recommendations.

Even with all their knowledge, achievements, and immense power, understanding the complex workings of the nation’s healthcare system can still be a challenging task, especially for those who are less fortunate or lack connections.

The situation does not indict the entire system, but it does highlight some serious problems that require attention.

Bidding farewell to Johnny, his story, and the medical failure

After delivering his eulogy, I had a flight booked to head back home, already contemplating my next job-related task the following day.

He had to endure a difficult mental health condition that life handed him for decades, similar to countless others around the world.

You may encounter them while walking down the streets, under a bridge, an abandoned home, or within these communities.

They are often overlooked, forgotten, and left to fend for themselves. But they are someone’s dad, brother, cousin, or uncle.

Despite his mental health issues, he was able to care for himself, function properly, and pose no threat to the community.

It was heartwarming to see the love and affection they had for him during his funeral, knowing how deeply they loved him while he was alive. As everyone gathered at the repast, the moment had come for my final farewell.

I came back to bid farewell to his 81-year-old mother while the hired vehicle patiently waited.

Deep down, I was aware that no matter what I said, the chances of me making the journey to this part of town to support her and provide her with extra strength in person after her son’s funeral were slim.

There was a profound sadness in her eyes as she gazed at me, and her hands clung to mine with a firm grasp, as if she had a final message to share or a reason for me to stay.

I waited an extra minute before entering a small back room, approaching another family member, and questioning as to what caused Johnny’s horrible demise.

I returned and sat in a little hallway, watching folks pass in and out with many unanswered questions. Should this be another funeral, and we go on? I wondered.

During our summer and winter breaks, I couldn’t help but admire how he looked after us. He had a way of showing love, care, and instilling important values in everyone he met.

Unfortunately, his mental health struggles eventually overshadowed who he was.

How could someone just toss aside those valuable life lessons? “What on earth would he have done?” I asked.

I have been trained in a field that emphasizes the importance of providing an explanation or seeking closure before burying a civil servant or a family member.

My brief trip unexpectedly transformed into a five-day journey, but it was undeniably worthwhile as I learned more about the medical system and sought the truth or evidence.

Now, what happened to Johnny?

According to those who saw him regularly, including his family, Johnny frequently visited the doctor, each time complaining about his stomach.

This occurred approximately five times over a span of 15 to 20 months, and for each visit, he used money sent by family members living abroad to cover the cost of any prescription that he knew worked or if he ever took any.

At first, what were the documented concerns?

“Did he vomit before arriving?” Question asked.

How did he arrive at the facility, and can we have a breakdown of the thousands of dollars spent?

May I inquire if there were any records or follow-up care provided when he was admitted for the first time and subsequently discharged?

Were there any follow-up visits or calls to verify if the most recent medication was effective?

The prescription and issuance of medication at the medical center should ideally be accompanied by a receipt indicating the amount paid and type of medication.

Who attended to him? Could his mental illness have contributed to the lack of notification or follow-up regarding the correct administration of the medication?

How can you obtain a copy of the prescription medication? This became like a strange language.

Johnny was familiar with the doctor and the local medical center, despite not being known by them.

The initial interaction with an intake or evaluation staff at these community medical health centers is of utmost importance.

The decision made by these intake units could have life-saving consequences.

Classism, poverty, and inequality greatly affect many patients’ lives, reducing their value to mere monetary worth.

Unfortunately, like many other places, it seems a person’s social or economic status dictates their value in today’s society.

Despite perhaps an unclean appearance and potential need for hygiene, it is important to consider the urgency of someone seeking help before dismissing them based on surface-level judgments.

The uncertainty, outrage, and silence that persist within this system.

Decision fatigue cannot adequately address the thousands of dollars spent on recommended tests, medications, and additional tests that are required to evaluate the outcomes of previous tests, all of which are funded by hard-working family members abroad, some of whom are on a fixed income.

Unfortunately, not many are still alive to look at any potential results or have the resources. This situation is one of the reasons why many families have fallen into financial catastrophe and yet have no solution and are still waiting on the results

The exact cause of his tragic death is the main concern, and not the time he passed away on a bench after waiting for a doctor for over eight hours in the middle of the night. Again, his case is not unique, and there are countless others.

Although our society cannot blame all losses on poor care, this “inexplicable death” embodies a familiar model of suspicion that has caused financial, emotional, and psychological anguish for many families.

Where is his doctor when he asks follow-up questions and verifies his medical records? Who takes his or her place at this medical facility if he or she is out of the country on vacation?

The exact cause of Johnny’s death remains a mystery; however, the family must either embrace or reconcile the information provided in the official death certificate.

It is truly appalling that the family was contacted after his passing to inquire about symptoms, possibly in an attempt to justify the information that should be recorded on the death certificate.

The Office of the Medical Examiner is responsible for identifying the cause and manner of death.

How could they have come to this decision if he hadn’t been treated for cancer and had no prior diagnosis, despite years of evaluation by medical professionals?

What were the reasons he was admitted for several days, given fluids, paid for testing, and thanked you for his care?

Do you happen to have a copy of the cancer medication that your team has kept? Additionally, were any recommendations given regarding a treatment plan?

We are still waiting for a response.

If they released him alone on the street, where are the documents of his treatment plan, or what caused his discharge if he returned to the center in a few days for the same medical issue?

Was he prescribed appropriate pain relievers, or is it based on his ability to pay, or did they confiscate the money we sent him and give him whatever was available that day?

“Speak up, ask questions, and demand an answer if you become ill.”

There were several reports of seizures after he was given medication. They did not, however, diagnose him with epilepsy, and there was no family history to suggest any underlying hereditary mutations in genes.

Despite the lack of documentation, our relentless quest for the truth left us with even more questions after each visit to different medical facilities he visited.

I am not a doctor and do not play one on television. I continue to respect and admire their work, but I am aware that preventive medicine and the medical system, particularly in low-income rural counties, could benefit from an update, improved accountability, and increased access for the poor.

It was quite frustrating to discover that no one was willing to provide any information regarding the date and specific type of prescription given.

An effectively qualified employee, such as a caring intake staff member at a local hospital or a knowledgeable pharmacist distributing prescription drugs, can help save lives.

Does the system recognize the risk of addiction associated with the over-prescription of multiple medications, rather than focusing on the underlying causes of the symptoms?

Research indicates that administering controlled substances to patients without adequate counseling can significantly increase the risk of overdose and mortality.

Based on my professional experience, I have observed the harmful effects that can result from the overuse and misuse of medication when there is a lack of support or awareness.

As I investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, I question the absence of monitoring for prescribed medications.

This raises concerns about whether pharmaceutical companies exert influence over the use of their products through financial incentives and whether adequate safeguards exist to prevent misuse.

In discussions with several patients, I’ve found that providing a sick patient with a personal letter from a doctor often leads to additional financial burdens without effectively meeting the patient’s needs.

Now, let’s refocus on the investigation into Johnny’s death.

The delicate balance between integrity, moral responsibility, and ethical considerations is vital in this situation.

Given the limited number of pathologists available to serve multiple parishes in a country with a population of approximately three and a half million, the bureaucratic backlog remains a persistent issue.

It appears that the delay in burial may be related to this backlog, as the family had to wait a considerable amount of time before receiving notification to arrange the burial.

Given that many families cannot afford even the most basic medicines or burial costs, how can one seek an answer when a loved one dies and there are issues about the death or how the reports or cause of death are being handled?

Johnny’s conclusion indicates a “bad prognosis” and reflects a rush to complete the next death certificate to fill another empty family burial plot or general cemetery.

Sadly, for many families, the wound remains fresh while driving past or visiting a burial ground.

Discussing the treatment plan and potential medical outcomes with the patient and family can foster trust, comfort, and fairness in the system, even if the desired results are not achieved.

It is crucial for local doctors, medical examiners, and the coroner’s local offices to reach a consensus on the exact cause of death.

They should prioritize providing families with independent answers instead of worrying about fees.

An autopsy is crucial, as it may reveal vital clinical findings that can help safeguard the family’s future well-being.

If there is uncertainty surrounding the cause of death, it is considered acceptable to use terms such as “unknown,” “undetermined,” awaiting further examination,” or “probable.” It does not affect one’s professional reputation.

Although it may not offer solace to loved ones, it does shed light on the moral expectations placed upon individuals in disadvantaged circumstances.

This premature death reflects a gap in access to better health care between the haves and have-nots, as well as a lack of critical accountability in some sectors where patients should come first.

The systemic implicit bias toward poor patients and lack of empathy.

Johnny would be unable to obtain blood unless a member of his family or someone else contributed in advance.

Some believe that people rarely volunteer to donate blood or organs, while others see it as a taboo stemming from distrust of the medical system.

Another Example: Donating blood is crucial. I fully grasped the importance of maintaining a balanced reserve for the benefit of others.

While the argument is sound, it promotes a tit-for-tat mentality, leaving those without a support system at a disadvantage when it comes to their social welfare.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to establish certain regulations in the medical field to ensure resources are available for others, especially the poor.

What would Johnny’s file have revealed if they had access to his medical records?

Did they only see his mental illness, which was frequently labeled [insane or mad man], and use that to determine the level of attention?

Did anyone know he used to be a public servant, a dedicated police officer?

Individuals, regardless of location, community, or status, must be able to obtain the information and support they need for their medical care.

Absolutely no one should be greeted with silence when they seek assistance.

Given his status, it appeared that one had to die for a bed to become accessible; or perhaps because he arrived alone when the pain was unbearable without bedding supplies, as many argued, it is more useful to have your own and keep it under close supervision.

What happened to the bedding and additional items he brought to the facility when he was admitted?

They had previously turned him away several times, and it appeared as if the medical center had already admitted patients who had arrived earlier and had reached bed space capacity, so please wait on God.

I imagine he must have felt like a veteran who left to serve his country in a war and returned alone to find himself homeless on a city street.

Without a family member or an advocate, you are on your own.

Is there such a thing as a “Patient’s Bill of Rights” or even a “Nurse’s Bill of Rights?”

The community expects local medical practitioners to adhere to high standards and hold one another accountable, as many medical experts advocate, regardless of socioeconomic status.

These centers vary greatly, and they face additional challenges due to a depressing lack of essential resources and inadequately qualified personnel.

Economic disparities and bureaucratic obstacles may have led to more fatalities than the medical conditions themselves. The system’s inefficiencies seem to prolong the wait for essential surgeries..

Sadly, for those who cannot afford to pay in advance, death may be the only option to alleviate their suffering.

It is a harsh reality that lives are lost every minute around the world due to various causes, including medical conditions, accidents, violence, and other unforeseen circumstances, but poverty remains one of the major causes.

What happens to even the most basic expectation that there is someone there to guide a sick person, especially those who may have some mental health issues, to effectively and compassionately connect them to aftercare when they are receiving medical care there?”

It is indeed astonishing to observe how certain local emergency rooms and medical centers appear to have transformed into facilities where individuals face dire outcomes.

Clearly resources are scarce, and the downtrodden must take what limited care is available even in emergencies. It is as if their lives are of absolutely no value!!

The reality on these medical systems:

Johnny’s situation is not unique to these communities, nor is it an isolated incident. The more questions people asked about his treatment, the fewer answers they received.

The absence of ethical standards in medicine is causing the loss of lives, while the silence surrounding the issue allows thousands of dollars in medical debt to serve as the only evidence of care.

These shores, along with other impoverished and developing regions, have witnessed the loss of many lives, leaving their families unable to find closure.

Some individuals are still clinging to the phrase “It is under investigation,” seemingly hoping that the anguish of the victim’s family will diminish over time.

Imagine accompanying a loved one on a long journey, traveling through the hillsides and lovely plains for hours with anxiety, or returning at dawn, terrified that a loved one may endure severe pain overnight, only to discover yourself in a morgue with no answers.

The added misery of the hospital clock buzzing to signal the end of visiting hours forces families to bid farewell, unable to offer any overnight support.

With limited resources, who can say what kind of care will be provided during the night?

Nobody knows if an overworked staff, may under paid nurse on duty during the midnight shift has had the time to provide oxygen, clear vomit offer a small meal or to help a patient breathing, or administer pain medication.

Heartbreaking news has emerged of individuals tragically dying while awaiting critical surgery, a reality that is all too familiar, and it seems people have become immune to the pain.

Striking a balance between healthcare, humanity, and medical costs is essential.

Doctors, just like anyone else, have their fair share of financial obligations. It’s no surprise that in any medical system, both public hospitals and private networks have to invest in purchasing MRI equipment and ensuring it stays up to date.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

The imaging system is a crucial element in modern medicine with critical important to aid the treatment for many patients.

Yes, the advantages of modern technology have generally been positive, but considering the number of patients referred for MRIs, even when it has been determined that little can be done to save their lives, raises concerns. 

An MRI seems to be a status symbol, but it can be costly. They ordered one for Johnny, that results maybe still pending.

Imagine other families , who may still be paying for medical expenses, while their loved ones are no longer here and real cause of death unknown. 

Getting an MRI, especially without medical insurance, have to pay upfront and it is expensive. 

Yes, many of these local doctors are vital to their communities and have done exceptional work, but there is still a significant imbalance between life and profit—many individuals, like Johnny, are still walking the streets in need of medical care.

When does honesty and integrity ensure that additional requests for tests are not driven solely by financial motives but rather by the genuine hope of saving lives?

Johnny’s test results, like those of many others, remain inconclusive despite undergoing multiple tests; even retesting previous results does not provide clear explanations or recommendations.

Is it liver, stomach, or kidney cancer? Is it water on the brain, wheezing, shortness of breath, excess mucus, chest tightness, diabetes, or past health issues that have often led to recommended surgeries—and in many cases, fatal outcomes?

While many patients face challenges in obtaining definitive answers before and after undergoing various tests and surgeries, an ethical dilemma arises at the intersection of these tests and surgeries.

Are private doctors, who are also part of the public health care system, to blame for prioritizing financial gains over patient wellness or government oversight? 

Moreover, if no one is held accountable for negligence, medical professionals warn that their influence in these communities, coupled with minimal post-procedure monitoring, will foster further errors and erode trust in the overall system.

This approach harms other competent doctors and nurses who strive to do the right thing despite facing inadequate resources, and little or no oversight, or job protection if they come forward!

Even today, it remains uncertain what medical standards effectively protect families seeking accountability for their healthcare.

Many patients, like Johnny, have died after surgery and others left bedridden while their finances were drained.

If the healthcare system is to address its deficiencies, doctors and support staff must clearly communicate these issues to patients, including potential outcomes and reasons for long waiting periods. 

Jonny called back once after reaching out to his family about additional symptoms from the medication, and no one followed up.

The files of administrative bureaucracy

A few days later we were on the road again, working backwards. On this stop, it is clear that Johnny’s prior medical local centre was struggling to keep up with the increasing and ageing population.

Many patients have remained in a crowded area for an extended period of time, which points to the urgent need for substantial resources to revamp the medical system.

Where it becomes problematic, obtaining medical records has suddenly become much more complicated.

How can Johnny and others assess whether a physician lacks expertise in essential medical areas and is ordering unnecessary tests for potential financial gain if his file is now missing?

Although there are few official certificates displayed on the back wall, they do not represent personal achievements. One has to wonder where the “Board Certification” document is located.

When hiring a police officer from another state or county, even country, it’s crucial to understand their departure reasons and obtain their files, training records, and necessary certifications for transfer.

Who is verifying some medical fees? And are there any updated training sessions to meet today’s demands and use cutting-edge technology?

These certificate is frequently used to demonstrate that a physician has passed periodic exams to confirm proficiency in the field.

I have a few questions after exploring this place. (Answers are still pending)

The local people are not the only ones to grade or test the qualifications of medical doctors in these communities.

Referrals often come from word of mouth, but the individual medical issue may vary.

And as the experts have said, if they are not qualified, then they are just crossing the line in terms of human rights, patient care, and social responsibility.

Johnny and many others may have left some of these offices on their own to avoid becoming another case where patients died before Emergency Management Services [EMS] arrived.

Building trust to reduce barriers in the local system.

Building confidence in the community is important. Unfortunately, in many poor communities some people don’t go to the local doctor and miss out on important tests to detect diseases earlier, high blood pressure, cholesterol, colonoscopies, cancer, or even erectile dysfunction that can be treated if it is detected early.

This delay is often due to lack of trust and negative experiences among their families and friends combined with cost and others who were sent home too early to make bed space for the next person only to die a few days later at home.

Healthcare worker consulting with an elderly patient in a Jamaican clinic

These early detection has the potential to prevent diseases, lower medical risks, and extend life expectancy, but who gets access, and are they free to the poor?

Barriers often give rise to doubt, and even medications funded by the government or important contributions from international health organizations are considered experimental drugs by some people.

Without medical insurance or certain socioeconomic status, perceptions labeling someone as a mental health issue (madman) often create additional barriers to access to care

Medical education, such as affordable access, saves lives, and it begins in schools by changing some cultural ideas and stigma, which remain a social concern for some.

For example, erectile dysfunction, chronic chest discomfort, or a peculiar mass on one’s body might necessitate the care of a trained doctor, not a homemade drink or alternative medication.

Who do you blame for some people’s way of thinking, especially in a system where no one seems to question authority or leaders and where there is constant minimization to deflect?

What comes next and how to proceed.

The overall medical system must undergo transformation! Experts noted that if the healthcare system fails to modernize in crucial areas, it could lead to more skilled nurses and doctors leaving these communities, contributing to the “brain drain” phenomenon.

A number of these medical students have undergone training both domestically and internationally.

This situation will lead to a significant decline in essential services for the nation and place a burden on the overall economy to address these pressing needs.

One nurse I spoke with mentioned the lackluster management and the less-than-ideal pay of the job.

The solution begins with implementing logical economic strategies to tackle medical school debts, attract highly skilled doctors, and potentially enhance compensation, while also addressing necessary upgrades, accountability, and patients’ bills of rights.

Ensuring equal access to medical care for all, regardless of background or health, is just as crucial as it is for local social or sporting events.

Even though certain upgrades have been implemented, the idea of a highly efficient medical system can differ significantly from the real situation, posing substantial challenges in an era of rising economic disparity.

It will be better, or has it? The same political medicine

On the outside looking in, as we unpack Johnny’s journey through the system, it appears that political leaders are often handing out prescriptions without diagnosing the problem.

Some people will run with anything promised and when there is an actual emergency there is no blueprint of care.

When a moral crisis strikes or during the national election cycle, these events have thrown communities into a frenzy, and many people, regardless of political affiliation, vote against their upward mobility.

Where are the political officials and the minister in charge of health?” I inquired.

Many individuals heard promises to enhance their health care during election campaigns, but nothing has changed since, especially for the underprivileged.

What if some of those leaders invested in more local family practitioners, internists, and pediatricians or established a path to becoming a physician?

These specialized treatments and preventive screenings save lives and reduce the need for expensive emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Why would individuals seek specialized treatment abroad in countries such as the United States, Canada, or England for surgery when they have local health problems, especially considering that some wealthy individuals have died after trusting their local medical system?

Many wealthy countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, experience high wait times for care, similar to these less efficient and well-funded medical systems.

However, the chances of someone dying on a bench for over 8 hours while waiting for a local doctor are slim.

Another family member of ours died of cancer after seeing the same doctor for 40 years and having excellent medical insurance.

While we do not question the cause of death, each family member will wonder what else they could have done; however, the lack of knowledge about the cause of death, along with potential neglect, is concerning.ng.

Accept it, eat, drink, get and dance because the alternative is unknown.

Should families like Johnny’s simply accept their situation? Once again, the funeral band has played, and food has been served countless times, days, and the night before his funeral, yet the pain continues to linger long after everyone has left the grieving family.

It seems like these communities have developed a certain resilience to these sensitive issues, likely because they lack the necessary resources, accountability, hope, advocates, resources to get to answers, or support, and perhaps a need for updated laws.

Unfortunately, this pattern has become all too familiar. We still have hope, but it will take the next generation of younger students and leaders who are demanding better to diagnose and cure this medical cancer.

This beautiful land is always bound by heritage, culture, or genuine love, but no one would jeopardize it all because of the poor medical infrastructure, which has outpaced its effectiveness in the face of an aging population.

The Bittersweet Goodbye: It was tough, but we had to keep pushing ahead.

I’m hopeful that Johnny’s unexpected mission will act as a voice for those who lack one, as well as for those who choose to remain silent to protect their image.

While we may never fully understand the cause of your death, I have investigated the circumstances surrounding it and, as part of our duty, have identified a plausible case of negligence to pursue.

However, the extended stay and additional expenses were driven by a quest for knowledge, accountability, and closure, rather than an intention to file a claim based on the information collected.

Regrettably, despite your pledge to uphold a system that has failed you, many of us have become more equipped public servants as a result of the vital lessons we’ve learned from your steadfast standards as a law enforcement officer, no matter where we work.

Your influence, motivation, compassion, and affection for humanity continue to resonate.

You took us to the beach during our summer vacations, winter holidays, and memorable block parties and street vendor meals, but most importantly, your strong principles and commitment to the law made a lasting impression.

We did not come seeking a terrible story or to express an opinion. This situation analysis seeks to address a significant flaw that often lurks beneath the surface, masked by a pleasant smile, within this medical system.

We will continue to speak up for the voiceless so that this does not happen again to anyone, regardless of race, gender, color, or socioeconomic background.

Being part of the effort that led to your well-deserved homecoming, which every officer deserves for risking their lives daily, was a privilege.

RIP!

Rest in Peace (RIP)..

A 14-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Jamaica, signaling a disturbing new normal in crime.

By R.D. Miller

Her Story/Their Stories

Photo Credit: Latoya Riley, the mother of 14-year-old Yetanya Francis

Who will be next? Gone Too Soon?

How do you console the mother of Yetanya Francis, a young woman who was raped and murdered and whose lifeless body was discovered on August 24, 2018, while out on an errand for her mother?

Her family held her in high regard, her classmates held her in high regard, and her promising future was abruptly cut short. Unfortunately, other young people’s lives will be cut short before they have a chance to succeed.

These young people, including several who are still missing and unsolved, will not be able to realize their hopes and aspirations or contribute to society as a result of violence. They must not be forgotten, and they must be emphasized regularly to keep them alive and to continue to seek accountability from both the community and law enforcement to resolve these cases.

Who will be the next sexual predator victim, whether overlooked in the justice system, released from a facility, suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disease and in need of treatment, or simply a thug wreaking havoc on the streets who someone recognizes but chooses to remain silent?

This young lady’s untimely death, in particular, is one of many for which other parents are still looking for answers, and it is not unique to Jamaica or other troubled islands with beautiful shores.

Now, social media has spread these stories about victims and elected officials’ responses globally, and more will come.

Almost no one, especially those in charge, will admit that these cherished moments of freedom and these troubling headlines have left many students scared and dealing with the mental trauma of losing a classmate or friend. Parents are also scared to send their kids to school or a nearby store.

After these protests, it seems that things will return to normal until the next one.

Yes, she was not alone!

There has been a slew of new reports. Murders, kidnappings, assaults, rapes, robberies, and others are forgotten because of their sexual orientation and lack of a voice; they, too, are victims with families who could benefit from a hug or an update on the status of their case. And the murder and exploitation of young girls, or anyone else, in any location, is not the result of a bad day.

Sure, violence is all around us, but the initial response to addressing these violent crimes often involves blaming others, expressing hopelessness, and deflecting attention by pointing to nations with similar issues, which serves as a form of minimization.

However, Aliesha Brown, a 13-year-old girl who went missing and was eventually found dead on October 2, 2014, serves as a reminder, as do countless other horrible acts committed since her murder.

A mob brutally murdered Dwayne Jones, a 16-year-old transgender adolescent, for attending a street party while dressed as a woman. How many other Dwaynes are living in fear for who they are?

Many parents face discrimination as a result of having LGBT children, and they are more concerned about social stigma and antagonism today than about their children’s future.

The hostility has resulted in safety concerns and a sense of guilt, which often leads to isolation, homelessness, abuse, a lack of resources and access to support groups, as well as insufficient medical care and even violent death by some who see members of the LGBTQ community as a moral sin resulting from a lack of tolerance and barbaric ideology.

Imagine these parents having to show up on a mountainside, a side street in a valley, or in front of a stream or a mortuary to locate their child’s lifeless body, with little or no victim’s assistance to help them cope.

The loss of a sense of normalcy is inevitable.

What appears normal in these natural events and pictures is not necessarily healthy because there are pockets of danger in some locations that, like snake poison despite its attractive new skin, might strike at any time.

Crime is causing the lovely breeze that caresses your cheek, along with the beam of sunshine and grin that greet you with a sense of peace, to disappear; as a result, many iconic and cultural hang-out shops, restaurants, and bars are now only open in the morning and close at dusk unless they are located in tourist-protected zones.

Several experts noted that combating crime necessitates a wide range of early detection, accountability, resources, and community engagement, but they also acknowledged that the country faces serious crime issues and that changing the criminal behavior of a few mentally ill individuals requires accepting that the country faces serious crime issues.

Indeed, I’m not suggesting that the entire country has become isolated and plagued by violence. Many people continue to arrive for weddings and enjoyable vacations. Others with deep roots pay visits to their grandmothers, uncles, aunts, and other relatives, but how long will these visits be frequent if the headlines continue?

I like to stop by, pick apples and mangos from Grandma’s fruit trees, or wait for Ras’s steamed fish supper to arrive in his handcrafted dish, which I can’t remember what color it was when I first came and fell in love with his business and other local iconic places off the beaten path.

The delicate selective empathy for justice—while victims’ tears continue

While violence is prevalent in many areas, these criminals (thugs) kidnap students, leaving families waiting for days for their children to return. According to local accounts, they murder intellectuals, sports figures, teenagers, seniors, entrepreneurs, company owners, and women in numerous domestic violence cases.

Vigilante justice emerges frequently, often as a result of frustration, lack of faith in the system, and total disregard for the rule of law. Furthermore, it may endanger the lives of innocent people while ignoring the underlying cause of the problem.

Such visits to a victim’s home by the Prime Minister or other public officials in response to these heinous atrocities do not alleviate the pain. Although their intentions may be good, it often becomes merely a photo opportunity when the same issues are addressed with identical talking points and without any resources.

No one wins when a community goes silent if they have information. This situation makes officers’ work more difficult, erodes re-victimization and a sense of safety, breeds hopelessness due to a lack of socioeconomic upward mobility, and causes hard-working people to become targets.

Unfortunately, no amount of consolation, a tight hug, or passionate remarks from other leaders will be enough to change this pattern of criminality and family suffering. There may be proposed new strategies, but that alone will not be able to diminish this ongoing cruel act.

The victims’ tears continue, with a greater impact.

The situation may worsen if leaders fail to confront the truth. While many blame previous administrations on both sides, gangs are rapidly expanding and will soon surpass law enforcement personnel, who may already be overburdened and inadequately equipped to tackle these criminal issues.

Photo by kat Wilcox

Each time a serial killer uses a weapon, the potential for their next mission to occur increases if law enforcement does not apprehend and prosecute them quickly.

In these troubled times, I wondered if religious institutions, advocates, counselors, and teachers who are respected in these communities can no longer inspire, calm fear, and bring hope and peace.

Today, it seems that the individual with the most effective weapon resolves all disputes.

There are and will be many more victims’ stories, so when does the next round of photo-ops, the next button stop, and the next round of building an appeal to action begin?

How did Jamaica, as well as a few other unstable countries, end up here?

Yes! I understand that criminality, poverty, inequality, and socioeconomic problems are all too common.

I would argue that poverty, economic stagnation, reported corruption, the growing gap between rich and poor, and high unemployment rates have contributed to some of this social decay.

Many murder cases remain unsolved because of insufficient technical skills and resources, the police force’s inability to cover these densely populated areas, and the fear of becoming a victim that prevents people from speaking out due to inadequate support or protection.

The education system, which is critical to preparing the next generation of leaders and rebuilding the middle class, appears to be deteriorating.

Today, many young people have dropped out of school and are struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and those with higher education have few opportunities for advancement because they are burdened by student loans and empty promises.

Photo by Alexandr Podvalny

It seems that political strife results from a systematic problem that is consistently ignored without accountability. Many communities appear to have emotionally distanced themselves and developed an immunity to the constant news of violence.

The debate is a battle to determine who is responsible for the perception of reality. Unfortunately, these fears and outrages often disappear until the next election cycle.

Moreover, many local officials, seemingly forgetting their past failures, are simply preparing for the upcoming election cycle.

They have not addressed the root causes of these issues, and it seems their only goal is to keep power and blame each other.

If, as reported, some of those sworn to serve and protect are now assigned case numbers as a result of their criminal activities, trust is further eroded. And in a system where police mistrust dates back to colonial times, it is extremely difficult for some to uphold the rule of law and speak out.

Unfortunately, some of these local leaders may also be living in fear and choosing to remain silent in the face of ongoing violence. The deafening silence has contributed to a sense of normalcy for some.

How many times have we heard the same story when leaders resort to “we’ll explore for solutions” and local concerns’ voices appear to be drowned out?

How can the next generation aspire and hope for a better future when they see their peers’ lives cut short with a detrimental outcome?

According to local reports, the nation has developed crime control measures to combat this criminal malignancy, but many people believe these measures have failed to restrict easy access to high-capacity firearms, curb gangs, address the root of these problems, and other criminal activities.

These occurrences necessitated an adjustment of perspective.

Photo by KALZud8

The pristine white sand and turquoise water, complemented by the sun shining through the trees and a cool breeze, evoke a sensation of shedding one’s skin like a snake and temporarily forgetting one’s troubles, akin to a spa experience. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious.

When these crimes occur, there are many appeals for change on social media, but what is troubling is that these headlines dissipate quickly. However, if many meeting places have become more isolated and indoors due to security concerns, and if vital stores close by sunset, who are the real winners, not just for students?

Something has to change, and like Mom once said, “Pure talk never leads to anything done.”

Many of our parents may be unaware that this beautiful place has more adverse headlines today than positive ones, but the sun will rise again, and you must continue to speak up.

Today, tourism serves as Jamaica’s primary economic engine, yet the young individuals I have encountered are not placing their future solely in the hands of tourists.

They are tired of photo opportunities and want tangible options, leadership that has a vested interest in their future, knowledge of the competitive world to lead effectively, and the ability to contribute to the next generation instead of merely pursuing personal gains within a gated community.

You can turn things around with the right tools.

Despite the atrocities that have attempted to take over these communities, Jamaica has maintained its strong perspective, morals, pride, vitality, and persistence. Many communities, albeit fewer in number, will enjoy themselves.

Photo by James Wheeler

Especially for the people, they must hold their leader accountable, not just for temporary fixes. Tthey must unleash their drive, even in a raucous manner, to restore their economic security and confidence, as only individuals can define what is normal or change

The concepts of Jamaica’s “cool running vibes” and its “local smile” continue to exist. The neighborhood stores are still welcoming to all, where you can fix a flat tire or eat at a restaurant squeezed against the mountain serving real Jamaican cuisine.

I would have gladly taken these youngsters’ place so they could live after seeing their families’ heartbreaks, which linger.

Part II:

I have decided to highlight a few other cases.

Here are a few stories from expats who encountered similar situations, which you can explore in my other opinion piece, “Can Expats Find Peace on These Shores?”

This piece also aims to challenge the widespread inclination to minimize our situation, with many individuals quickly responding, “Oh, it’s happening over there too!”

While that is true, many have deep ties here too, tangled up like a colorful knit sweater that just refuses to unravel.

Delroy Walker’s death in May 2018 is yet another reminder of the danger that most people ignore or deny. He was stabbed and murdered in Jamaica while on vacation, where he had returned to give back to the youth.

Photo credit: Steve Walker, whose brother Delroy Walker was murdered in Jamaica

He has advocated for youths by giving back and making use of his skills and resources through his charitable organization. He was well-liked by everyone who met him, and if you spend a few minutes with him, you’ll wonder why: his humanity, love for community, and upward mobility for the less fortunate, always looking to help others.

This untimely death has robbed the youth of a chance at success, particularly for those who yearn for a brighter future that is becoming increasingly elusive on these shores.

Although his assassins may have been apprehended at the time of writing, the criminal enterprises that are silently destroying these once-safe communities pose a significant threat to a normal life.

Delroy’s death has stymied many charitable barrels of goods destined for the island to help others, which are now being reconsidered or listed on eBay and Amazon and are being held in a basement or storage center due to safety concerns.

He primarily focused on navigating the bureaucratic customs system before his death. If you have a connection and are willing to pay extra, your charitable goods can flow freely out of what should be a public function. However, I will move on from this problematic issue, which will worsen if local customs continue to view incoming charitable goods intended to make a difference as a revenue source.

When young people have no hope or lack the resources to pursue their dreams, crime becomes more appealing.

Karen Cleary, 44, had gone missing on Tuesday, November 25th, while working on her dream home in her birth country. According to local news, her body was discovered in a shallow grave on her property in Boscobel, St Mary’s Parish.

If the system turns a blind eye to this criminal cancer, it will only fester and wreak havoc on the nation’s fabric, leaving even those returning residents—who dedicated their lives to hard work and dreamt of a peaceful retirement—wondering what went wrong.

The reality frequently oscillates between a serene atmosphere and sudden storms that take anything not grounded in their path, while on one side, like many other troubled islands, both visitors and returning residents receive a warm welcome.

According to the Jamaica Observer, more than 1,600 people were killed due to violence in 2017.

Other reports indicate that since the year 2000, over 200 British, American, and Canadian expatriates have been murdered, with more than 500 killed since the beginning of 2018.

The Nassau Guardian reported the gunning down of Carlis Blatch, the assistant to the governor-general of the Bahamas, while he was waiting for his son from school.

When honest, hardworking, and successful people who want to help are now viewed as a threat, the region’s losses and remittances cannot solve these systemic problems.

Many people believe that violent gangs and the ongoing lottery scam in major cities are still a problem and that criminals see expatriates as easy targets.

Today, I wonder what life would be like for these three young people—14-year-old Yetanya Francis, 13-year-old Aliesha Brown, and 16-year-old Dwayne Jones—as well as many other missing individuals.

I often wish I could have changed places because I had the opportunity to finish college, have a decent life, and achieve the goals I’d had since I was a child.

Stay safe!

The profound impact of Colonialism and today’s law enforcement struggles in` Jamaica and beyond`

BY R.D

This blog is part of our series and offers our thoughts on quality of life, awareness, resilience, public safety, and accountability. It is an analysis with the offerings, and we have experts available to assist with various issues.

A historic toxic blueprint

Jamaica and several other Caribbean islands under colonial rule and their quest for emancipation have a profound mistrust of their law enforcement system. Research has shown that ongoing conflicts and struggles have been constantly until today.

Numerous other stories contribute to a foundation of distrust in these blue waters. The Morant Bay Rebellion marked a major change in the dynamics between law enforcement and civilians.

Around October 7th, 1865, a disturbance occurred in the court, and the individual responsible was summoned to appear before the justices. The authorities apprehended them, but Paul Bogle quickly intervened to save them. He is regarded as a national hero of Jamaica according to historians.

Approximately one hundred and fifty individuals joined him wielding sticks and proceeded to administer a severe beating to the constabularies. Historians have noted that there was tension leading up to the event, but the turning point occurred after Paul Bogle’s interview.

The officers were once again assaulted and temporarily seized in their attempt to capture Paul Bogle. A pledge was required to ensure that individuals in the community would not be arrested.

The Slavery Society, known for its strong opposition to British rule, played a significant role in fostering a sentiment of distrust towards law enforcement, which has contributed to the prevalent “us vs. them” mentality we see today in many parts of the Caribbean.

Muscle Memory:

Having strong muscle memory is absolutely essential in law enforcement, as it can literally mean the difference between life and death in critical operations.

It appears that some in these communities have encountered a situation where certain parents have influenced their children, resulting in some lingering resentment.

According to many scholars, there have been decades of rebellion and socio-economic failures by rulers and political leaders. Many of these leaders were allowed to be reelected, yet poverty and crime continue.

Regrettably, law enforcement has been unable to effectively address the insults and resentment stemming from these profound wounds. Despite some efforts to shift that narrative, there are lingering uncertainties about whether anything has genuinely transformed.

The lasting impact of colonialism in Jamaica and other regions, where law enforcement was employed to control and segregate slaves and marginalized individuals, again that resentment continues to be felt today.

The psychological anguish experienced by many during that era, which is often overlooked or denied, has left a legacy of tension, anger, hate, and mistrust that still resonates in our society.

While it is true that some of today’s challenges stem from issues such as community distrust, questionable police actions, abuse of power, lack of accountability, and reported corruption, it is important to consider whether a few individuals should be allowed to hinder a nation’s progress and put public servants at an elevated risk just to serve their communities.

Undoubtedly, the new paradigm that resulted from a fresh approach has aroused debate, with some arguing it is a positive step forward and others seeing it as a band-aid for a grievous wound.

The efforts to raise a new generation of people who are motivated to serve their country for the right reasons while avoiding unfair criticism for their roles as officers are excellent. However, it will not immediately result in the creation of more jobs, lower taxes, climate solutions, or the development of better roads for those who see crime as their only means of survival.

According to reports, Jamaica and a few other Caribbean islands, as well as other poor and developing countries, are among the most dangerous locations in the world.

The Silent Generation

The “silent generation,” which may be subconsciously harboring deep-seated hatred, is like a cancer in many of these communities. The persistent antagonism has been a generational issue. Some individuals are unable to move on from the past and will seek any opportunity to revisit it.t.

They must help address shortcomings, even if they don’t live here or are in a gated community, despite their valid concerns. They should stop looking for the perfect, because it cannot continue to be the enemy of beneficial efforts.

These cohorts are vital to understanding how their formative experiences on these shores, whether technological, economic, or social, influenced their lives.

Experts noted that though we may share divergent views from Traditionalists (1900-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), and Generation X (1965-1980), their influence plays an important role, especially in how many Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z view the world’s current polarisation, inequality, political and socioeconomic divides, and uncertainty.

Some may need counselling for closure, and if that fails, reparations for that dark period in history may be needed.

Wearing multiple hats is essential; without them, what happens?

The law enforcement of marriage in Jamaica is a challenging and unpredictable journey. It requires navigating through a range of emotions, from fear to love, and dealing with a mix of respect, hate, distrust, and trust.

It’s a profession that demands hard work and often goes unnoticed, making it a constant reminder of the tough task at hand.

Combating crime remains a contentious roll-call, and it is a public health issue regardless of what party is in power. A delicate balance between politics, crime control, civilian rights, and the rule of law must illustrate this constant mission.

They must continue to forge relationships openly to demonstrate an alternative approach, as shooting your way out of crime is not a viable solution.

No matter whether it’s a bag of apples or something else, it is bound to have a few spoiled ones. However, it is disheartening that officers receive so little attention when they die in the line of duty from many of these communities.

On the other hand, when criminals are apprehended, it often sparks a flurry of questions as communities grapple with the complex issue of perception vs. reality.

As we reflect and examine the situation more closely, we intend not to assign blame but rather to strive for an improved public safety system.

In fact, a lot of us have personal connections to someone who has served or lost their life in the line of duty.

Reflecting on the past, it appears that the value of fostering meaningful relationships in these communities is sometimes underestimated, leading to increased tension.

It’s important to prioritize more meaningful interactions and not just focus on superficial photo opportunities. Today, that community event might not be specifically for Tony’s dad, but it could be a fantastic opportunity for his generation.

Perhaps one day, he’ll share with his children about the wonderful time he had with an officer. That experience could really stick with a child and potentially change their dad’s negative emotions from before. Community policing is similar to exercising your right to vote. This initiative should be for the next generation.

It’s quite concerning to witness the lack of attention given to the unfortunate loss of an officer’s life in that region, despite the longstanding tensions that have persisted since colonial times. However, it is evident that there is a significant amount of emphasis and enthusiasm directed toward the apprehension of high-profile criminals and celebrities.

Where can I find the combined video statements made by politicians condemning this kind of violence, which could assist the situation become less violent?

Perhaps more joint statements from all political leaders, influential citizens, and the Twitter journalists that can change the outcome of an election should be more open to condemn these atrocities from the headlines that may change a potential criminal outlook.

Finding the appropriate balance to make sense of it all

Community policing is a method that fosters trust and respect within society, cultivating a new generation of individuals driven by genuine motives to serve. These diligent officers frequently bore the weight of society’s issues.

They are essential for the functioning of a democratic society and the existence of a nation. Law enforcement plays a crucial role in these communities, and a country relies on their presence.

Without these civil personnel, safety on these shores would be like a stray dog crossing a busy street at night with oncoming vehicles.

Every day, these dedicated police wear numerous hats, navigating between banana peels, leaping pockets of stagnant water in 100-plus degree weather, managing everything from little thefts to armed robberies, and yes, counsellors and mediators, all while preventing violence and assisting victims of crime.

Today, the foggy history of mistrust between the police and the community often leads to apprehension about coming forward and speaking up to reduce violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

But the community should not blame law enforcement alone if they have information and remain silent. An officer is someone’s brother, mom, father, uncle, aunt, or cousin.

The debris that lingers across many shores

Jamaica is not alone; other regions of the Caribbean and Latin America are experiencing this struggle to deal with these criminal elements, according to reports.

Sadly, crime has contributed to high unemployment, created an ever-widening gap between the rich and poor, and led to the glorification of violence by a select few.

Crime can occur anywhere, typically within internal, inner-city areas and certain rural pockets, and it rarely affects the millions of visitors; however, recent warnings may alter travel plans for many.

Crime experts noted that some of the most dangerous islands include Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, along with other places that have seen an increase in crime.

If 20-year-old Jimmy, who did not complete high school, is currently without a job, owns the latest motor vehicle, has no inherited source of income, resides in the most prestigious neighborhood, and is feared by the residents on the block, he is still considered untouchable.

Who are the people approving his loans and registering his vehicle and tracking his finances?

Fighting crime is not always achieved through the use of guns; rather, it involves tracking signatures, phone calls, fine print, and the networks that support potential illegal operations.

Unfortunately, Jimmy’s lifestyle may become attractive to the hopeless youths.  He then uses his influence to recruit young individuals who may be lacking support and guidance, offering them gifts and attention to form his crew.

Unfortunately, if this menace to society remains untouchable despite evidence of wrongdoing, this is one method of how gangs are formed while using a history’s toxicity, with added barbaric ideology and resentment to create community mayhem.

If law enforcement struggles to address resistance to order shutdowns, including loud music, illegal drug operations, and scamming, what message are these communities sending?

More residents must speak up and stop treating lawless criminals who have exploited communities like heroes. It only creates an uneasy feeling for many, including visitors outside the protected zones.

With the nation’s delicate economy relying on a sense of safety, regardless of which party is in power, the recent spike in murders emphasizes the critical need to address the absolute disregard for public servants; otherwise, criminals will begin to impose their tolls and engage in other forms of extortion.

Who will speak up for a high school girl who has been sexually exploited, raped, gone missing, or killed for not complying with criminal demands, while her family remains silent out of fear?

Balancing safety and the socioeconomic dance

Decades ago, few people possessed a firearm on these shores. Local business owners, security personnel, and law enforcement officers typically possess firearms. Today, grocery store workers, taxi drivers, and food stand vendors carry firearms.

Carrying a weapon has become the norm more than job security, economic development, career plans, or youth deterrence programs.

Today, in communities riddled with crime that are underdeveloped and lack upward mobility, where lethal weapons are in the hands of criminals, law enforcement officers are frequently outgunned, making the fight for social control a risky undertaking.

Many reports have shown leaders have declared “Zone Strategies” to dismantle havens that harbor criminals and gangs linked to an increasing murder rate; some remain unresolved. According to local news reports, the operations identified high “criminal zones” to rid communities of violence. But has it worked as intended?

For decades, pockets of criminals have caused serious public safety concerns. “They display no respect for the rule of law,” a victim argued. “They are carrying out retaliation and fighting over territory with no regard for human lives.

“These targeted communities will be re-introduced once officers vacate this area.” “Some choose to remain silent in fear of being classified as a snitch and later targeted.”

On the other side of the debate, arming more civilians may not help, as criminals often target them for their weapons.

Many of these legal gun owners lack the skills to operate these weapons properly. This situation is where a forensic system to determine if a person has recently handled or fired a weapon is critical.

Forensic evidence in firearms cases is crucial for linking bullet fragments to manufacturers, and I believe this area needs more resources and trained staff, including the development of the next generation to learn these skills, which will play a vital role not only in solving crimes but also in contributing to the overall economy.

Selected town hall meetings and promises alone cannot resolve these systematic issues. It is like solving crime with bullets alone, and that represents a losing strategy.

Politics and complexity.

Sadly, many constituency leaders excel at winning elections, but they discover governing to be more difficult. They are skilled at creating an image that suggests they are balancing justice and economic prosperity and developing solutions.

Some may share a similar attitude towards public servants, and studies have shown that some political leaders take a different approach by speaking out.

The Blame Game game is often the first attempt to address these crimes against humanity. If that strategy did not work in the past, why would it be effective today, given the presence of more sophisticated criminals who may have greater access to illegal weapons and gang activities?

Often opposing parties, despite their previous time in power, seem to have discovered ideological reasons to dissent and avoid collaboration, making them indirect victims as well

Reducing crime and achieving social reform requires more than just legislation and incarceration. After the cameras have left the scene of a crime, a victim may receive a hug from an elected official, but that is not enough.

A holistic approach is necessary—one that includes accountability, job opportunities, treatment and rehabilitation, and economic policies specifically designed to uplift impoverished communities.

It is essential to hold every community member accountable, regardless of their societal position or status. This includes those involved in gangs, sexual offenses, or criminal organizations, as well as those committing minor infractions. By doing so, we can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed.

You cannot neglect an area and ask law enforcement to correct it years later.

Today, Jamaica and several other Caribbean islands Constabulary Force operate under an ancient Political Era. A time before the 20th century refers to a period when the police were under the control of politicians according to experts.

These officers were linked to the political machine, operating with less transparency, selectively reporting crimes, and protecting influential groups, which frequently led to corruption and a lack of trust.

This approach is a form of colonialism when citizens perceive their primary duty as solely enforcing the law to monitor and regulate people’s actions, with minimal focus on solving cases or engaging with the community to foster trust.

The Reform Era—Many of these communities are experiencing significant challenges in balancing poverty, justice, corruption, and other barriers.

Therefore, they must institute fundamental systematic change because of political strife and color of sabotage and let the police do their work, from recruitment to training to a decentralization of the system according to the experts.

The Community Policing Era focuses on connecting all stakeholders and embracing additional roles, such as counselors and social workers, within many criminal justice institutions.

Scholars argued this modern concept should be embraced or enforced to a broader extent to build trust and therefore reduce conflicts.

Many crime-fighting leaders face significant challenges due to chronic poverty, political influence, and offenders who struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, and a lack of resources to locate and maintain jobs, making their tasks daunting.

The success or failure of implementing a new strategy should not depend on the political party affiliation of the appointees who are leading it.

The rapid turnover rate of commissioners in the past is also problematic. Far too often, this rapid turnover stymies crime-fighting strategies that are already in place. The complexity of these top positions in the Caribbean, particularly in poor and developing countries, is significant.

Thankfully, amidst the debris, most of the population consists of law-abiding individuals who, like in any other location, are constantly seeking an alteration or a lasting solution.

Any mission aimed at curbing violence and reducing the likelihood of victimization begins with a positive outlook.

Shifting an old mentality is critical. Significant change is necessary, such as people marching to condemn criminals when an offender commits a serious crime, and such an initiative requires the involvement of pastors, guidance counselors, teachers, social workers, youth clubs, politicians, and rehabilitated offenders in an “all hands on deck” approach.

It is possible if these high-crime communities select their safety officials, rather than political appointments; this could create a smoother ride from the ongoing turbulent relationships and build more trust.

Do some of the more populated areas grappling with high crime need a military presence?

Consolidating these institutions might be a practical solution to enhance law enforcement and reduce costs.

Jamaica and most of the surrounding islands do not experience border issues with neighboring countries.

The country could learn from Costa Rica, which disbanded its military in the late 1940s and redirected its resources toward education, national safety, and public healthcare. Economic scholars suggest that this strategy has yielded positive returns.

Some may prefer the advice to “butt out” since we have our own crime issues.

Nonetheless, the focus should not be on location or ideology; rather, it should be on fostering safer communities and implementing effective economic policies that enhance the quality of life for everyone.

While crime is prevalent, for those observing from the outside, if the decline in safety continues to dominate headlines in these beautiful areas, it could become a public health concern and potentially lead to an economic downturn if tourists avoid vacation packages and expatriates choose to relocate elsewhere..

Education, training, treatment, and community support are essential because a society cannot thrive without the safety of its people. Perhaps a shift in mindset is more effective than a bullet.

Paul Bogle harbored resentment due to the oppression he faced while striving to liberate a generation from colonial laws. I remain hopeful, but achieving this goal will necessitate a generational shift away from the mental resentment rooted in Jamaica’s history, and even elswaere.

Stay Safe! Best Wishes!

Perhaps it is time for a new Altar Call.

BY R.D

Metaphysical Reality:

A British scientist from the University of Manchester, England, demonstrated in a recent column published in The (Nigeria) Herald that the man Christians have worshiped for centuries or called Jesus Christ was more like an African descendant than the pure white, long-haired, blue-eyed, six-foot-tall, groomed candle-holding chap without a tan.
 

Prior to Richard Neave’s reconstruction, Jesus’ ethnicity and relationship to John the Baptist were always unclear.

I am not a scholar of theological advice or history, nor am I a particularly devoted Christian, but this should make no difference when considering conversion as a result of discovery or possibly arguing for the signing of a new song in the future.

There are still some who ask why Jesus was the only Caucasian male in a place where everyone is thought to have tan skin and wool hair, and why he was not adopted or flown in from the West. Despite today’s postcard of Christ’s image,. 

Religion, with or without DNA, has always been complicated, particularly when it comes to conflicts over this mystical being who spreads peace and calm like an eagle gliding through the air, but since he left, there have been ongoing wars.

Furthermore, many archaeologists and theological scholars have interpreted or concluded where the holy sites surrounding the Christian experience began, but the Holy Scriptures remain complicated for many readers.

I had no choice but to get up every Sunday and accompany my parents to church until I could say, “Not this Sunday.” There has always been a profound spiritual struggle and questions about how the world should look, live, and accept itself under this tent.

Even in the neighborhood where I grew up, I observed numerous incidents that made me think about the depths of our humanity. I often contemplate the influence of early archeologists on our perception of beauty and intelligence, and how the media has further perpetuated this portrayal.

As a result, many people have developed a hatred for themselves; could this be an extension of that? In fact, the objective of religion is to delve further into these concepts.

The complexities of this history also appeared to have widened into a debate that has lasted since Muhammad, who outlived his sons and died without an apparent heir, has remained a source of contention between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Perhaps they are trying to figure out which culture, or “faith,” is the true heir and representative of true Islam. Again, I am not an expert on these topics.

Nonetheless, those who believe in creationism have a problem with Christianity after the crucifixion because they believe that the universe, humanity, and other living things were created by supernatural acts of divine creation. As a result, a lot of individuals are still looking for a new leader.

From the Pulpit

For over 2,000 years, Christianity was the most popular religion in the twentieth century, according to history. It has encountered difficulties, as have many geopolitical issues, in the pursuit of tolerance, freedom, acceptance, and the role it can play in doing more for the poor.

Today’s sermon is not an attack on Christianity, religious doctrine, or promoting racial divisions; nor is it an attempt to install a new piece of artwork in the pulpit or halls depicting a bronze-skinned male holding a sword in wool clothing looking over a flock of sheep.

This is only an outside evaluation, without the scriptures that focus on the ongoing questions. It doesn’t matter what your skin tone or eye color is; each person has their own canvas. Even those who are not sure where he came from or what he should look like struggle with their own divisions within themselves.

However, seeing him through the lens of stratification and socioeconomic status, some still believe their pigmentation makes them similar to that man and thus superior to others who do not look like him.

As a result, it has created an ongoing struggle for the universal good. He once preached that everyone should be allowed in, and countless people are still waiting outside the gates to get in.

One positive is that this establishment’s efforts to unite communities under the faith of peace, reconciliation, tranquility, and tolerance will determine the future of Christianity, not one’s skin color, church size, political connections, or what many families instilled in them.

According to the scriptures, he breathed life into non-believers, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Christians, and everyone else. Scholars also contended that he was the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, manifested in Jesus, who came to save the world.

Although there are many powerful religious leaders today, preachers of tolerance appear to have taken a back seat or only appear when the camera is on.

The ongoing social and geopolitical turmoil has also raised questions about whether Jesus has done enough for humanity, especially since Christianity has spread across many continents and into the Western world.

What grade would I assign to some of his disciples today? If you believe that John the Baptist had an assistant or an advisor, it appears that many disciples today could benefit from another John the Baptist.

t is not as simple as the number of new baptisms performed, and to sum it up, if my interpretation of Luke 14 is correct, “how willing are we to give up?”

II don’t want to compare followers’ undivided love to being in a toxic relationship, in which love can cloud one’s vision.

This silent affirmation, special reverence, and usual respect for calm even high tides is a powerful tool that many of us could use today.

The Altar Call

According to Reuters, “Pope Francis asked Protestants and other Christian churches for forgiveness for past persecution” a few weeks ago. His gesture represents more than just a desire for peace; it also represents one of the institution’s guiding principles.

Pope Francis: Papacy began
13 March 2013

Even many non-believers have viewed the church for thousands of years as a community force that fosters tolerance, towns, sustainability, and guidance for future generations.

Religion became the foundation of the family, as well as a place for mutual support that represents good health and cohesion.

Many scholars have documented that during slavery, it served as a place of rest, hope, and liberation, where the planning and implementation of freedom took place.

Now, despite less religious persecution and greater freedom of worship in many places, social and economic strife is displacing inspiration, peace, and prosperity from a number of pulpits.

The financial burden that churches face today due to overall poor economic conditions has created a battleground for psychological, social, and spiritual development.

There is the other side, as some of us now look through the church window like it is a piece of broken glass, trying to figure out why there are so many empty seats, or who are those leaving before the sermon. 

Did they hear the cry of the poor? Or was the window shattered by some of those who were outside? 

The drive for probability is a fine line that can be seen between a pimp and a pastor with a significant influence on these communities, which are now facing more empty benches and souls as polls show an increase in non-believers.

A brief spiritual pilgrimage

Today, it appears that there are more churches per square mile than schools, police stations, rehabilitation centers, or low-income housing. On the other hand, theoretical strength appears to be dwindling like a board-up or forgotten building with a fire, hazard code

As I visited some of Europe’s, Africa’s, and the Caribbean region’s historic churches, it became clear that some had lost their stride, power, and influence.

Many of the traditional spiritual followers and teachers who once spread his philosophy now have one foot in the political polls and the other in the offering basket.

Others who once stood up for the principles have died or stopped attending.

Many pulpits appear to have abandoned history, and social issues such as marriage equality, abortion, and political philosophy have now become an extension of cable news. While the destitute search for a meal a few feet away, these ministries are rated for profitability in the same way that cable networks, news, or hotels are.

The church does not have to unravel its core beliefs and interpretations of historic doctrines passed on to each generation. However, take a step back and look at the empty chairs through the stained windows, figuring out which light shines better from within.

Confession:

The church alone cannot solve today’s social problems. Today’s DNA will not bring us any closer if its leaders are unable to avoid more chaos, mismanagement of trust, and the quest for more power. Furthermore, some argue that many of today’s leaders are well-dressed and polished, and their capitulation and protagonist views only serve to isolate and ignore reality from fiction.

The fear of God will not be blasting through an amplifier for many houses, especially along the small shore’s lines, up the hill, or down the road; the church is more powerful than the rule of law or local elected officials who occasionally gather after a popular event to make them relatable for the subsequent election.

Some people who hang out on street corners aren’t there because of who’s making the altar calls. They, too, struggle to distinguish between these moral compass-bearers and their messages.

Because of inconceivable economic conditions, deviation from one’s parents’ upbringing is not a struggle. It is simply taking a step back and understanding who benefits now when there are wars, divisions, and yes, we are all equal, but some are more.

I used to believe that taking a trip to the fifth row would make my mother proud, but all I remember today are the few checks I mailed to a man who, in return, sent her a postcard, some holy water, and an image of what he thought this guy looked like.

That again, we can’t even agree on, and much less, those who should set an example of what he believed and stood for would sell it all for a set in their exclusive, financial, or political club.

I kept seeing them today on cable television, telling people what they couldn’t and shouldn’t do with their bodies, but to buy more weapons out of fear.

How can young people get to the altar when preachers have more bodyguards than heads of state? It appears that some churches now require appointments even for confession or to discuss their struggles, as well as what color should be in focus if one decides to pray.

Benediction:

What will it take to rediscover their church roots?

Following these resurrection ceremonies, the church must cease to be just another structure. Only a few individuals today possess the courage to confront their fears and anxieties, and their elderly personal history has kept them going. However, what will happen if the next generation fails to recognize their contribution to the community?

This institution plays an important role in communities. Although tucked away behind century-old trees, where few are looking for a resurrection, a beam of light remains, competing with the sound of the most recent music blasting while the pastor reads the first Psalm.

Although some have migrated for economic reasons and to avoid social taboos covering spirituality, many young men and women have given up lucrative opportunities and are now serving their community despite not being recognized.

They have gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender friends, as well as others who could facilitate reconciliation between gangs that have taken over communities, and yes, even an ex-offender who could benefit from a job connection.

Though many churches have seen more fences today, whether due to reduced membership, gentrification, or political and social ideology, it remains the only beacon of hope for even two Sunday services each month, and it may come down to more than the color of the wall.

Today, a new altar call may be able to resurrect this new generation. Regardless of a man’s skin color, poverty, corruption, and other social issues exist; however, access to good and affordable health care remains a problem, particularly in many impoverished and developing countries.

Who will be next in Jamaica’s troubling deliveries from the United Kingdom?

By. R.D.

This opinion emphasizes our expertise in public safety rather than politics or financial expenditures.

Please take special care with our returned and fragile package.

According to a local newspaper in September 2015, the United Kingdom plans to invest £25 million ($37.9 million) of its foreign aid budget to help establish a jail in Jamaica where Jamaican offenders prosecuted in the United Kingdom will serve their sentences.

Former UK P.M. David Cameron, and Portia Simpson-Miller: Photo Credit– JIS

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron paid a visit to Jamaica shortly afterward. Before the courting and honeymoon period ended, this visit served more as an inquest to mark a construction site. The pound symbol of excitement seemed to have obscured the package’s true purpose.

Since the initial £25 million offer, it appears that this matter has been relatively quiet, with little community input on what is best for the country.

Will the monetary reward for justice and long-term treatment of these offenders fade away like the paint on many local prisons that are in serious need of a renovation?

What happens when the plane or ship returns to the United Kingdom for a new set of numbers, and the criminal system there is in severe need of resources for those who have already arrived?

Many people hope that they don’t lump everyone together with those who haven’t breached the law by overstaying their tourist visas, raising a family, and then failing to keep track of their papers.

Experts say that if the issue had only involved lawbreakers and serious criminals, there would have been fewer questions and tensions.

Some argue that this package strategically includes low-level offenders and individuals without proper documentation.

The policy puts families under a lot of financial strain, but it also has a long-term psychological impact on their British-born children, other family members, and close friends.

Non-lawbreakers and individuals who have served their time, been rehabilitated, and contributed to society, often with little or no ties to these islands or elsewhere, are frequently overlooked in discussions about scheduled flights.

However, for the purposes of this post, I will attempt to view the situation from the perspective of those who have misbehaved and refused to conform; the underlying message is that, as many have stated, individuals with few infractions will often be grouped together with those facing must-go lights..

The complexity of politics

This issue is raising serious doubts about the ability of these countries’ leaders to push back or negotiate long-term deals when necessary. However, several cases across the area highlight the intricacies of justice, power, national security, corrections, and even the function of the attorney general.

Does Jamaica or other poor and developing countries have a say or a choice when these nations account for a large amount of their economic viability?

Who sits at these decision-making tables is as important as who is arriving and what happens next.

Unfortunately, in many poor and developing countries, regardless of the political party, accountability is often left in the dark, like a cell block when the lights go out, after many big speeches, election cycles, and promises.

Photo by Element5 Digital

Good government measures are frequently overshadowed by a country’s image. To overcome what appears to be structured chaos centered on unilateral actions, these communities need leadership and decision-making that explains who, what, and why they are coming now.

How will relocating these prisoners or anyone caught up in both political and criminal codes, help Jamaica’s struggling economy and other places?

Many people believe that if a new administration takes office in Jamaica, the construction of a modern prison and the acceptance of potential deportees will be reconsidered.

The delicate dance

When confronted with these issues, decades of systemic socioeconomic challenges, mishaps, and failures to move a nation forward for a better standard of living continue to make decision-making difficult.

Photo by Brett Sayles

Regardless of who belongs in the container or who arrives without consent, important implications must be considered. However, it has opened numerous potential local opportunities.

There is the issue of job creation from a modern prison, and the way this package is being pitched appeals to many residents.

Unfortunately, several parts of the region have already struggled to address basic social needs, as well as public safety concerns and the nation’s overall progress in preparing the next generation of young people.

With high unemployment and a dwindling middle class, many local manufacturing businesses are closing, sold to foreign investors, or being taken over by imports, philanthropic contributions, and a failing educational system, which may have created a defining silence to what has been proposed.

While this structure may fill a void in the local economy, there is concern that it is simply another special operation to clean a house disguised under various deviant headings.

The question of who benefits the most remains unanswered.

What is certain is that it will benefit only a few wealthy and well-connected people while disproportionately burdening Jamaica’s economy in the long run, much like a long prison sentence.

The proposed cellblocks appear to be a new form of cultural gentrification disguised as criminal outsourcing.

The Economics, Public Safety, or Just Dessert

Crime is always a national security issue for a country. And a country must strike a balance between public safety, fiscal responsibility, and humanity:

Many academics believe that the concept of “Just dessert” was created to promote equality and fairness in sentencing.

In the principle of just deserts, punishment should be proportionate to the crime. Is it, however, fair to return these individuals to Jamaica or elsewhere, and I will attempt to highlight some issues later?

Photo by RODNAE Productions

While these offenders must be held accountable, it is still up for debate where their sentences should end. Rather than profit, diversion, or unloading, this debate must be driven by critical analysis for long-term impact.

Despite widespread opposition, including racial, unethical, and political concerns, the British government may see this as a long-term cost-cutting and public-safety measure.

Sure, the UK elected leaders must do what is best for its people and its economic future some argue.

Many people believe it is obvious if people are being picked up off the street like trash, dismantling families, and according to recent reports, it is more than just offloading and lightening of the cellblocks.

The unwrapping of the economics:

Many people today believe decisions are made based on isolationist push, and political ideology, rather than broad socio-economic factors.

Another debate is raging: the UK is on track to become a minority-majority country soon, and with political ideology driving decision-making and limited resources, these communities will be more vulnerable.

Several organizations and activists contended that many of these very problematic flights are not non-solutions.

According to the ministry of justice figures, the prison population in England and Wales has grown since late 2010, costing over four billion pounds per year to keep inmates. In the last 20 years, this number has doubled.

The United Kingdom has more private prisons than the rest of Europe combined, and some argue that corrections have abandoned rehabilitation and re-entry because it is far easier to expel these offenders.

Even though violence in the UK is still low in comparison to other high-crime countries, crime has become a significant issue, according to crime data.

Experts noted that homicides committed on purpose as a result of marital conflicts, interpersonal violence, violent fights over resources, inter-gang violence over turf or control, predatory violence, and murder by armed organizations are all on the rise.

High unemployment, particularly among people of color, a tight housing market, and government assistance, particularly for convicted felons, have all been points of contention.

This is similar to recognizing that if the majority of these immigrants who have built the nations from the early 1950s and thereafter return to their home country after retiring to receive their pension, the overall social system, particularly healthcare, and housing will be less burdened.

I’m not selecting sides again because personal responsibility, rehabilitation, mental health, and a release plan are equally as important as the cost of a long-term offender’s stay in a facility or where he or she was born before entering the criminal justice system.

The Reality:

Despite the pressure, I know this is simply the beginning. On the other hand, you can’t deny that many individuals in these communities, both locally and in the UK, will either celebrate or sit silently in response to these pending human containers because, as they say in this culture, “don’t make the family look bad.”

The gumbo-soup deportation has affected mothers, fathers, husbands, children, and other family members who must now face economic hardships and psychological issues.

Many experts believe that these activities will inevitably result in the impoverishment of several families. These were the single providers, hardworking folks who committed a mistake for which they were held responsible.

Fortunately, these issues have resulted in the formation of support organizations, children telling their stories, wives, husbands, and families pushing back to ensure that individuals who have been wrongfully deported, as well as those who may be waiting on the runway or on a new list, receive some sort of justice.

Beyond the headlines, how did they get here?

In theory, I believe Jamaica and other countries may have had lengthy pre-sentence reports that either indirectly or directly contributed to these criminal packages.

Photo by Alex Greenm

Sure, no one can blame these struggling countries entirely for those who left but made no contribution to their adopted countries, and in some cases have created mayhem.

These systems frequently fail to reexamine their modernization processes, overlooking not just the complexities of how they reached this stage, but also the absence of resources that may have had a chance reversed the direction.

Again, we’re talking about long-term criminogenic issues here, but can you overlook the other people who are at low to no risk and swept up in this big tent?

The international community is surprised because many receiving countries have no control over the unloading, and possibly various economic checks offered have been cleared, as well as minimal accountability from authorities who stand to benefit from these decisions.

Herbert Volney, opinion writer: “The Silence of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary.” He emphasized that all voices should be heard objectively, as well as the balance of power in government from the top down.

Again, a nation without rules and regulations cannot progress, and offenders must be held accountable; yet, would the same re-gift occur if crime rates among other ethnic groups rise?

Many reports have revealed the radicalization of other groups, as well as an increase in stabbings, bombs, and other public safety concerns.

The packing tapes that bind the barrels

Despite its negative colonial history, Britain has always provided aid to Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, though it has rarely been publicized.

On May 8, 1907, the New York Times reported that it had guaranteed a loan in the aftermath of a major earthquake in Jamaica. However, does its history gives some of today’s decisions a free ride?

Historians have noted, however, that since 1846, when Britain rescinded favorable trade terms, and on August 6, 1962, independence has created more dependents, increased crime, and political discourse that has widened the divide between the haves and have-nots.

Photo by latest al darwish

These historic footprints were left by the British around 1655, and according to experts, after Spain ceded Jamaica to England in 1670 via the Treaty of Madrid, it is like a chain from slavery.

Families who emigrated to the United Kingdom, the nations profited from the once-open migration policy.

Today, should their offspring who failed to meet expectations, whether due to mental illness, poverty, a failing educational system, or violent criminals, continue to be a dumping ground, especially for families cut off from migration?

Inside the box: are they criminals, offenders, or scheduled deportees?

Even though there are many different perspectives on the rule of law and how it is applied to how individuals are treated, I am only opening these packages and sifting through the headlines diving a little deeper.

It’s difficult to argue that these blue water inmates won’t reduce recidivism and incarceration costs in the UK.

On the other side of the argument, you cannot maintain a successful nation where criminals continue to rage on and dismantle national trust. 

What is inside now that the tapes have been removed from the box? Will each flight contains both good and bad apples, some of which were lost in the new system, and will they be rehabilitated in areas where crime and poverty are worse than where these flights originated?

Before reuniting with their families, some migrants frequently miss several key diagnosis issues such as drugs and alcohol, anti-social behavior, and mental health issues.

What might a psychological, psychosexual, or substance addiction evaluation have revealed for some of these criminals before migration?

This is where I believe the majority of these places have failed to address these issues, and why critical assessment and a support team will be critical.

Leaders must strike a balance for reintegration, such as housing and employment, in order to reduce additional psychological burdens.

According to studies, many immigrants confront significant unemployment and isolation, as well as little academic skills and few struggles to adapt to a new way of life.

Furthermore, some were exposed to gangs, radicalized, and joined criminal enterprises, disintegrating from their parents’ work ethic, pride, and adherence to basic rules.

R.D. UK

The label or lost connection:

Individually, these offenders may have varied situations; however, today’s deportees are not given sufficient assessments: Are these people thieves, rapists, child predators, murderers, drug dealers, or victims with psycho-emotional problems?

Reintegration is still difficult, and vital medical treatment for this population is typically underfunded. Few people complained about being singled out.

They claim that deportees commit the majority of crimes in the Caribbean today and that even if a criminal never left the country, they are held responsible. Few people complained about being singled out.

Many of those who departed these islands as infants had no cultural ties other than where their birth certificates were registered.

Many deportees are killed or assaulted, and some have reported receiving little or no justice as a result of the stigma that they are all criminals who would be marginalized and receive little or no support.

A different package: A delicate balance

Another form of payment that Jamaica and other former British subjects in the region could use is “reparation?”

Former Prime Minister David Cameron, like many others before him, avoided the question.

For decades, writers, reformers, and advocates believed that reparation would promote greater democracy, economic development, better civil society, and overall people’s health, thereby ensuring prosperity.

Quietly, not all Caribbean people support compensation for descendants of formerly enslaved people: some still see themselves as the ruling class, while others struggle to present a road map for whether and how reparation could help the nation.

These in-fights and struggles further highlight that if reparation were to be awarded, who will benefit? Few scholars still see corruption as a major part of poverty in the region, and a new prison is not an economic formula to lift Jamaica and elsewhere out of poverty.

What about rehabilitating a few of the Caribbean’s outdated and deplorable prisons, increasing funding for poor rural health clinics, schools, drug rehabilitation counselors, vocational training centers for job readiness, or, even better, forming a forensic team to solve current crimes?

Today, government success is measured not by lowering the unemployment rate, increasing the GDP, or graduating more college students, but by keeping the death rate below 1,000, a few have reported.

These agreements should be made public, but as previously stated, there may not be many local leaders can do if the check has already been cleared, and access to aid may be part of the package.

They should place a greater emphasis on preparing the island’s youth for a brighter future, reducing the desire to migrate to the UK and other places for survival.

The separating stamp, which can be easily linked back on:

Numerous economic uncertainties could complicate this package now that Brexit is a reality and the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union.

It may not be a large shipment, but rather small amounts to see what else can be shipped or unloaded as the country regains its economic footing, or national identity, as some have argued.

Who will be the next to arrive on these shores: homeless, queer, gays, single mothers, unemployed, or a few with opposing political ideologies, or maybe if you left for a period of time, no re-entry?

Regardless of political silence, the location of the prison, who will supply beds, clothing, and food, and who will benefit from the prison should be made public if implemented.

For Jamaica and generally poor and developing nations balancing capitalism, race, and culture, pockets of barbaric ideologies appear to be a steel gate.

Public safety seems to be a deferred sentence in which people conform simply because they believe they are being watched until the light goes out.

Without comparing to many other countries that struggle with mass killings due to easy access to guns, drugs, and poverty, such delivery may be more problematic for those who have issues but are not criminals and may become one as a result of separations from their families.

The oncoming traffic

I hope that present and future leaders will read the fine print, analyze this package, and work together across party lines to find a common ground on what is best for Jamaica’s long-term viability, regardless of party or political power.

While the sending leaders may appear to be riding in different vehicles, in the long run, most will be traveling in the same direction, and collaboration, accountability, and fairness will be critical.

This opinion is beyond politics but also the management of offenders, public safety, and avoiding the blame game, as elections have been influenced by how these issues are handled.

In the long run, if some of these low-violence criminal issues are not treated like mental health, substance abuse, or even sexual violence, what comes next after incarceration? Hold your leaders accountable to ensure you log your term in public safety, regardless of what side of this debate you are on.

We are alwys here to help!

Delving into the intricate/complex world of sexual assault, kidnapping, and child exploitation

BY R.D.

This blog is part of our series and opinion of quality of life awareness resilience public safety and accountability. It’s an analysis along with the offerings and the areas where we have experts to help with a number of issues.

While most people were busy with jobs, family, and other responsibilities.

Today, I started checking out the news to see what’s going on in the world. Many articles and pictures discussed different things like terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait, and Tunisia that took the lives of more than 30 British people, Greece’s financial troubles that could affect the world economy, and Puerto Rico’s attempt to pay off a huge debt of 72 billion dollars, all in just 3 months of the new year.

There were plenty of issues in the media. The Confederate flag ignited a heated controversy, with strong views on its significance. Should the flag remain raised or be lowered after a white supremacist kid massacred nine Black people at an evening church prayer service?

They were at a prayer meeting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina, where he hoped for a race war. Established in 1816, the church was the first independent Black denomination in the United States.

The news cycle has been quite captivating as I continue to read. An issue that stirred controversy arose when a few evangelical preachers took to the pulpit to voice their opposition to a court decision on marriage equality.

There were also bets on Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter, and his expected pace this year.

The Break-in of These News Feeds

As we journey through society, tackling issues such as discrimination, crime, justice, economic mobility, poverty, and impactful stories that could shape our nation or community, we continue to forge ahead. Despite the current events, these issues tend to diminish over time, and we continue on.

There will probably be another incident involving firearms. It seems like policies that could have an impact on preventing weapons from falling into the wrong hands are still pending, waiting for the next target to come into focus.

But the most memorable news item for me came from a four-minute film. 

After reading this opinion, similar events are likely to occur in our society. It will continue to return if it is not addressed.

Her story is one of many, and it is a silent crisis.

We were horrified hearing an undercover operation in Kingston, Jamaica, in which a 13-year-old schoolgirl was sold for cash by her uncle to a Caucasian male posing as a tourist who was sold for sex by her uncle.

This is a young victim of exploitation: She is not the real child in the undercover operation

Yes, sexual assault is a grave crime that can have both short-term and long-term effects on victims and those who love and care for them.

This isn’t just a problem in Jamaica, though. It’s a problem all over the world, as many experts say.

Although the perpetrator might face consequences, this situation will likely impact her emotional and mental well-being for some time.

Her desire to regain her self-confidence, resilience, and beauty is hampered by ongoing emotional pain, as many experts have noted.

Many communities, in my opinion, are powerless to stop these crimes because they are afraid and lack the funds or resources to do so.

Even more difficult are individuals who are targeted and abused because of their sexual orientation, as well as some’s re-victimization attitude, as if they deserved it.

In our society, discussions about these cases frequently begin with an interrogation of the victim.

“She could have escaped the situation, or nothing bad could have happened to her.”

She was too easygoing and wore provocative clothing.

What was the source of her abuse? ….. Why didn’t she just leave?
But no one ever asked him why he chose her from home school, church, or in the community to engage in that behavior.

While this is a global perspective, it is a local mindset.

Local headlines continue to emerge, and I’ve lost count of the number of new incidents on these shores and overseas in which a beloved daughter, cousin, niece, aunt, or sister is kidnapped, abused, and murdered while families wait for answers in vain.

They are now in a file or closed because the chances of solving these crimes are getting less and less likely with each passing day.

What is the status of the tragic 2014 kidnapping of around 270 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram, one of Nigeria’s most dangerous extremist groups? Several of these girls will likely never see their families again, and there will be more.

Abducted children-Nigeria: Photo Credit Global news

Even though Boko Haram has not invaded classrooms or churches in your region, town or school, and kidnapped 200 or more children based on their ideologies or sexual beliefs, the impact of losing a student—be it a boy or a girl—or an ordinary citizen in your local community to such a horrific act should affect us all regardless of location.

Even if this loss occurs just once a day, it accumulates significantly. The toll of losing a student or an average citizen to this violence accumulates in your community.

Many academics and advocates contend that this issue extends beyond Nigeria. The loss of their children often affects families around the world, underscoring the global nature of this concern.

Sadly, it seems many cases are now in a file or closed because the chances of solving these crimes are getting less and less likely with each passing day.

For many families, the suffering continues.

How many students and adults have been reported missing, abused, or murdered, with their cases remaining unsolved?

Furthermore, how many young women in your community between the ages of 12 and 17 dropped out of high school due to pregnancy? And even if a sex offender were incarcerated, are some offenders still out on the streets on bail engaging in the same activities?

Due to social pressure and the stigma associated with shame, some of these kids are being sent to live with another family member, despite their high potential. Another dream has been dashed due to a scarcity of resources and assistance.

Photo by Kindel Media

Many predatory predators who prey on children without their consent, such as serial pedophiles, pimps, and sexual predators, go unpunished. It is often difficult to dismantle these networks without adequate resources for the victims and law enforcement.

These concerns, according to many experts, entail further anguish and re-victimization for the family that is still seeking closure.

Frequently a member of the family knows the truth or the person who did it. Many people stay quiet or defend the person who did it out of fear of vigilante justice or financial difficulties in getting support.

Saying that someone “asked for it” is not a valid response. Arguing about who “should have” and “might have” is not a strategy. They are victims, and these communities must be able to assist them without making them feel guilty about themselves.

Mind control to obtain access to their victims

As a group, many victims started out by supporting their friends who were in prostitution. They can relate to another runaway who was neglected or abused at home. At this point, they will begin to encourage peer pressure. Many visitors believe they will find support if the other friend also accepts this behavior.

There are numerous traffickers who will befriend your family, gain these victims trust, and promise a better life, only to sell your children into slavery and early marriage.

Victims’ economic status, homelessness, drug and/or alcohol misuse, family strife, or being runaways will be exploited by the perpetrators.

These individuals usually prey on both local and international students, in addition to any other susceptible individuals.

Sexual predators will offer to pay for school supplies, candies, dinners, or a shopping spree or give you a ride in a fancy car to lure you into their sex games.

They may live above your flat, share your boundary, and appear to be a pleasant neighbor. 

These serial predators are charismatic; they prey on your children and will convince and argue that they are unloved; your father despises you, which is why he is trying to molest you; and your mother permitted it to happen. Additionally, they will visit foster homes and offer gifts.

Many young people have become victims due to peer pressure. They started out by supporting their friends who were in prostitution. They can relate to another runaway who was neglected or abused at home.

Additionally, someone you trusted, such as a family member, guardian, or even an official sworn to protect you, may have misused their authority.

These abusers are frequently part of a wider network. Criminals commonly pose as regular people.

It doesn’t matter where you live or what you do: they’re on your city bus and taxis, or in your church choir, or in your child’s classroom, and may even be preaching to you this Sunday or on any other day you go to church.

Photo by RODNAE Productions

Unfortunately, many pedophiles, serial predators, and pimps roam the streets, grooming your sons and daughters to satisfy their desires, often without detection.

What is particularly troubling is that some sexual predators target victims solely to fulfill their sexual fantasies without necessarily exploiting them on a larger scale.

At times, this behavior may stem from a desire for vengeance related to unresolved trauma. In some cases, the offenders may suffer from mental illness, while in others, it may simply be pedophilia, or they could be members of gangs that perpetrate violence against defenseless individuals.

A sexually motivated predator with mental health issues will go to extreme lengths to satisfy their deep, stimulating desires. Occasionally, the act of sexual assault is secondary to the pleasure derived from inflicting pain on the victim.

The data

Approximately 800,000 women and children are trafficked across international borders each year.

According to research, more than 90% work for pimps. “More than half of all children aged 5–17 years, or approximately one billion children worldwide, are victims of violence, including sexual exploitation.”

These fleeing victims frequently don’t have a voice and need a place where they can open up about their experiences without fear of being stigmatized.

Only 1% of these cases are prosecuted, according to the findings of recent studies.

There is someone who goes away every 90 seconds in most parts of the world, according to data. In fact, experts say that boys are also victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, but at a much slower rate than girls.

Each year, three million people travel to have sex with children. Certain individuals do not conduct the sex act but rather take advantage of the victim’s financial situation and the potential to sell them like illegal substances such as narcotics, or what experts call contemporary slavery.

The often-untold truth

This statement is not meant to be a criticism of anyone’s system or nation but rather to draw attention to the need to devote more time and resources to disrupting these operations.

According to popular belief, child sex abuse and trafficking aren’t just problems in Southeast Asia. It happens all over the world.

Reports have indicated that there are still many people being trafficked and exploited for sex all over western Europe like Bulgaria.

Additional UN assessments stated that a portion of Africa has developed into a big issue recently, and numerous reports indicate an increase in the number of missing children, whether kidnapped or sold in this sector.

Experts mentioned countries such as Cameroon, Senegal, Chad, Kenya, Malawi, and other Central African nations. Over 40% of adolescent females who are trafficked are compelled to marry, according to these reports.

Closer than you may believe

Additionally, it is global, and numerous regions around the Caribbean and Latin America, particularly the Southern region, have become exotic destinations for illicit purposes involving sex trafficking, subterranean international tourism, and both imported and exported goods.

The notion that all people come to these islands’ coastlines primarily for relaxation and positive vibes is a far-fetched notion.

According to experts, sexual assaults, statutory rapes, and the exploitation of juvenile girls and boys are serious issues, and there is an abundance of vendors and customers willing to pay a price.

Photo by shalender kumar

Experts noted that areas with a high concentration of missing young girls and sexual assaults will have a high concentration of sexual predators grooming for human trafficking and other local exploitation.
 

In an earlier opinion piece about a young woman who was murdered in Jamaica (see data on missing children every year).

You must visit the countries’ national registers separately for more up-to-date information, as today’s data may differ from the date the opinion was published.

This situation is not limited to poor and developing countries. It is, however, a pandemic.

Profits, risks, and struggles

Many criminologists consider sexual exploitation to be a lucrative organized crime enterprise with low stakes and high profit margins.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that migration from Latin America to the Caribbean generates $516 billion annually.

Fear and anxiety are common in families who don’t know what happened to their loved ones, experts say. It can be difficult to break down possible networks in these kinds of cases.

When these young women hear the words “Stitches get stitches,” they are frequently fearful of speaking up.

If they speak up, they will face harm.

Many arrests have been made, but experts say more must be done, and cooperation with other nations is key to dismantling this network.

(Reuters) In 2015, a statewide operation resulted in the arrest of over 1,100 people for allegedly preying on children. To entice young people into prostitution, they both use the internet. Former employees of the Boys and Girls Club and the military were among those detained in Texas.

According to reports from the BBC, an organized crime ring in Oxford was busted at the same time as 37 people were detained for the sex trafficking of underage girls.

The goal is to keep the risk to the community at the risk to the community to a bare minimum.

For offenders, the process encompasses everything from sanctions to counseling, from psychosexual diagnosis to public risk assessment. Victim protection and assistance are also included.

Keeping the victims’ identities secret is essential. In some poor and developed countries, new technology and training have made it easier to reduce risk and close cases, but many still lack the necessary resources.

Although these sex offenders will not be able to age out of society, the community can lessen the threat to public safety by providing effective treatment and constant supervision.

The identities of those found guilty must be made public once they have been sentenced. Even if they’re looking for jobs, newcomers to your community will be on the lookout for potential victims. It increases public awareness of at-risk families around the country.

There is a delicate balance to be struck between vigilante justice and the need for therapy and a return to employment to have a respectable life.

Disparities between rich and poor, as well as a lack of resources, make prosecution difficult in many poor and developing countries, notwithstanding national and international laws against this practice.

Deterrence tools are critical for preventing visitors from exploiting an open-door policy that allows teenagers to explore their hotel rooms and be traded as if they were a commodity on the stock exchange.

Even if a country accepts legalized prostitution, some argue that the punishment will be less severe. However, this does not diminish the dangers that these teenagers face.

This is a complicated subject that frequently blurs the line between rape and consent, and it cannot be addressed in silence or by re-victimization when survivors come forward to share their stories.

Efforts to fight these challenges rely heavily on collaboration and information sharing among professionals who represent these victims.

There’s no way to resolve this problem by hiding in the shadows.

Individuals cannot be segregated based on cultural characteristics, their place of residence, feelings of shame, or any image associated with taboos; such factors must be discredited through strict laws and swift sanctions.

Accountability: I believe that the unwanted calling, groping, unpleasant environment, and objectification of these adolescent kids send a strong message.

These young people, especially those in high school and college, are affected even while they work. These communities, from the next-door neighbor’s house to the pulpit, have to report any suspicious activity that they see or hear about.

Identify that you have a systematic issue and implement measures to aid these horrific sex criminals who prey on your sons and daughters and other children.

The question I have is whether there is an anosognosia condition in the world today.

There are plenty of dark-colored cars near these high schools and universities. How often do young people get into them and get kidnapped? Some of them are still missing or have been found dead.

To keep students and the public safe, there should be laws against using 100% black tinted car windows, as well as pick-up and drop-off zones that include public areas for students and well-lit areas that are less likely to be targeted by crime, so that there are no hidden places.

In today’s world, we should install public cameras and tracking devices in these areas, particularly on commercial vehicles.

They need a massive campaign to inform students to avoid these vehicles regardless of how quickly they arrive at their destinations, and perhaps transportation is limited to school buses only or pre-authorization for pickup from schools.

Local sources say they fear for their safety, pride, and lack of protection if they report underage students being put in these vehicles.

Furthermore, many of them feel that the people operating these vehicles have legitimate licenses and may be familiar with these pupils. 

Several of these beautiful coasts may be sites of statutory rape, and the lack of enforcement raises the question of whether the victims voluntarily accepted the invitation, which reflects a mentality of minimization, or a sense of normalcy

Regroup because quiet is deafening:

Lack of money and technical skills can be a problem, but holding elected leaders and law enforcement personnel who have pledged to protect the public accountable is essential if these cases are to be solved successfully.

Your elected representatives will make another public statement when these crimes occur, but the victims and their families will receive very little long-term aid.

People with information who are afraid to come out because of the personal ramifications of doing so need community support, as I’ve already indicated.

This is about more than a single vote; it is about accountability, holding holding elected officials, and public safety accountable. 

If more people rally against sexual predators’ crimes in the same way they often come out for politicians and some artists, we believe more children can be rescued from this harm.

We are all willing to help spread awareness and train on the signs. Stay Safe!

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

The wide-nosed, dark-shaded, and thick-lipped confession to Pope Francis for his Latin American visit.

By R. D.

This Blog is part of our series and opinion on the quality of life, humanity, tolerance, education, upward mobility, awareness, public safety and accountability

An Open Letter

New Era: Dear Pope Francis, Your election in March 2013 marked a significant change in the Roman Catholic Church. Being the first from Latin America and a Jesuit, your appointment to this leadership position emphasizes the importance of the church redirecting its attention to those who have been overlooked.

However, following the recent scandal of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, which many have been calling a cover-up for decades and which has ruined lives, there is a breath of fresh air.

The world does not expect an overnight sea change in the world. Some have tried and failed, and it takes an alternate method, even walking a careful scriptural line and/or political ideology, to get our society closer to a systematic societal split along many fronts that is overdue.

I have spoken with a few Black and brown people who are happy about your Latin American trip, and I know that sometimes geopolitics pushes the church to take another look at how it considers world issues that include greed, inequality, racism, tolerance, and the chasm between haves and have-nots.

Though many of us who embraced the faith from our parents’ teaching as children are now on the sidelines, and recently we are rethinking our departure. Even some nonbelievers admire the church’s new platform of openness for dialogue, but they too have more questions than scriptures.

In contemporary discourse, there remains a persistent tension regarding the compatibility of sexuality with biblical teachings and various philosophical frameworks that perpetuate the marginalization of certain communities. Nevertheless, the church persists and possesses the capacity to convey a profound message of tolerance that transcends the confines of the pulpit.

I am reaching out not as an individual defined by sexual orientation or religious beliefs, but as a person who holds the conviction that our collective humanity requires a profound renewal. Reflecting on Saint Paul’s epistle to the Romans, one can discern a profound appeal for unity.

Your visit, Pope Francis, especially to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay, is set to strengthen that message and realign the Catholic faith’s direction amidst pressing questions about its future.

Several cultures fled tragedies centuries ago based only on religious convictions, and this divide remains today. We cannot ignore the racial prejudice that has always existed at this institution. While communion implies unity, many participants still hold anti-Semitic views, racist attitudes toward Black individuals, and beliefs that conflict with gender equality, as well as the notion that one’s socioeconomic status dictates seating arrangements within the church.

In many Latin American countries, Black people continue to face discrimination. I will use the term “the less dark color” instead of “people of color” in this context. Simply put, when many lighter-skinned Hispanics migrate to other industrial countries, some become aware that they are people of color.

Unfortunately, some people still believe that Black people should be over there and less than others, but only through education and collaboration can these groups of color become a force. Letonly through education and collaboration can these groups of color become a force, but let me return to this trip.

The Confession, or the alternative lesson, was rarely talked about.

The Catholic Church still enjoys over 40 percent of its members from the region, which is about 430 million throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, according to religious scholars. And approximately 69 percent of adults in Latin America identified as Catholic. Many political leaders would be on their knees praying for these numbers today in a much-divided world to win an election.

Quietly, missing from these visits is a dialog for racial harmony. The Catholic faith teaches that all are equal, and we reaffirm this belief during communion when everyone drinks from the same cup. This three-second feeling of inclusion often only lasts from the pulpit back to our seats.

What has transpired in the Dominican Republic regarding a court ruling that threatens the deportation of over 200,000 people of Haitian descent? This situation is not merely an immigration issue involving illegal immigrants, criminal elements, or overcrowding. It is ethnic cleansing, and one where thick lips and broad noses from the African diaspora are at its core.

Since Haiti’s independence in 1804, Haiti’s invasion of the Spanish rule in trying to unify and end slavery has not created harmony. Even when Blacks were part of major economic development from Costa Rica to Panama, scholars have noted that they discriminated against West Indian migrants because they were Black, English-speaking, and Protestant.

Haitians being deported from Dominica

The system treated them much like historians documented poorly, where they were paid less and oppressed and had little protection under the law.

The other hidden passages:

Dr. Henry Hates noted, between 1502 and 1866, 11.2 million Africans survived the dreadful Middle Passage and landed as slaves in the New World. For those vessels of slaves, many are still trying to find an anchor, much less an altar to ease some of the socioeconomic, and division burden.

Though this trip cannot fix it all, we cannot ignore the polarization and marginalization of many. Not too far from Dominican coastlines, blacks in Cuba [peizas negras] — black spices once called and — despite the abolition of slavery in 1820, which Cuba benefited from until 1873 according to historians.

Afro-Cubans and others throughout Latin America are often relegated to the service economy, where they are part of the vast fruit and vegetable street vendors, street dancers, artists, medicine women, and other things..

Afro-Cubans; Photo Credit: DeWayne Wickham

The recent effort by the Obama Administration to normalize US-Cuba relations has been a sensitive issue for over 50 years, shaped by political ideology and various atrocities. Many hope that this new initiative will enable both Black and white Cubans to access potential socioeconomic benefits.

The influence and contributions of Afro-Caribbean culture have been significant to the region’s development, though they are often overlooked.

Unfortunately, despite these diplomatic advances, many Black and brown individuals continue to be marginalized, relegated to slum areas, much as they were historically confined to sugar plantations due to the documented transatlantic slave trade, not only in Cuba but also in other countries like Costa Rica and Venezuela.

Historians trace these issues back to the 16th century, highlighting the experiences of Black individuals, particularly [La Negrita], in Latin American countries where they often identify as white.

In Lima, Peru, there is a tradition where pallbearers are predominantly Black and native individuals. Some argue that this practice serves merely as a form of employment, while others consider it racist, asserting that these job opportunities are reserved exclusively for Black individuals.

For many Black individuals, the concern does not stem from their well-tailored tuxedos or the elaborate pageantry associated with providing a dignified funeral; rather, it is fundamentally about the color of their skin.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Experts have observed that since the abolition of slavery in 1854, “Blacks are all but absent from Peru’s business and political elite,” which relegates them to working on sugar cane plantations along the nation’s Pacific coast. Less than four percent of Black Peruvians attend college.

Some individuals exploit Black people and other minorities when they migrate to countries like the U.S., Canada, or the UK, leveraging their privileged class status and prestige. Others take on jobs that even Black individuals refuse to do. This behavior does not indicate any difference among groups; rather, it reinforces the ongoing cycle of social stratification and marginalization.

Time for a new scripture

Many of us are still looking for our grandparents who fled to other regions in the Caribbean, such as Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, Bermuda, Antigua, Barbados, and other places several decades ago, not because of a revolution or political turmoil, but because of the color of one’s skin.

I hope the next confession will bring some changes to this group of Catholics because I believe that the church has a tremendous influence on these issues. Your refocus mission extends beyond Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, and other stops.

Addressing poverty and the environment is always important. However, concerning the plight of many Blacks, they cannot only be celebrated on football, baseball, and other professional sports fields, and the community that produced these rare stars continues to deteriorate because of their lips and color.

At present, the area is facing issues with corruption, poverty, and crime, leading to numerous impoverished people leaving, which is putting social and economic stability at risk. Yet, many Black people still face exploitation and marginalization. Just consider how much worse it is for many of us because of our large noses and thick lips.

Racial homogeneity has created political stability, a high rate of literacy, and overall economic growth in some of these Latin countries and other places. After singing these hymns, religious leaders should use this moment to continue mobilizing socioeconomic and justice issues, emphasizing that many believers are defined by more than just their appearance or skin color.

People should be invited to communion based on their contributions to the community, their shared humanity, and their quest for something new that fosters a peaceful and successful union for all. Then perhaps many of us will once again say, “See you this Sunday at early morning mass.” “