Mere Reality

In recent days, the Rev. Stanley Redwood resigned his duties as President of the Jamaican Senate. This news did not go down well with some Jamaicans, especially when they learned that he was migrating with his family to Canada. 

My Take on the Matter

I don’t think it was an over-night decision for the goodly Rev. I have always known him to be hard worker. I have always admired his desire to improve his family situation. He seems very family oriented. I think at the end of the day, he is just a Jamaican who wants a better life and better opportunities for his family as well.

It is very sad though, the he being the President of the Senate of a ‘Sovereign Nation’, had to seek citizenship in another country, because even as a politician or government official, it is still too difficult for him to get by here.  

The mere reality is that, successive governments for the last five decades have done such a great job at ensuring that this nation remains one that is filled political tribalism and rigged with poverty. This level of poverty forces the people to always see these politicians as their saviours. 

It is sad though, that we live in a country and as much as many of us are educated, we have to still seek to leave or find a way to do our own thing in order to survive. I get so frustrated at times to see that most of us work only to pay bills. We can’t afford a good savings plan or even to eat properly. We constantly have to ration our food. There are days when we have to make a choice between gas for the car or lunch. Constantly struggling with the low salaries, especially if you work with government. 

Rev. Redwood might have disappointed some, but I believe he showed others that there is really no hope here in this country and the best thing to do, is to leave if you can. No other country is a bed of roses at this time, but there are opportunities to at least eat properly and pay your bills comfortably.

I am hoping that one day things will change and people will really be given an opportunity to stay here and build this  country. Running is not so much of a solution, it is just an urgent call to ensure that one’s family can “eat a food”. The issue needs addressing though. I am not sure which politician or political party is ready to commit political suicide in order to deal with this issue.

Michael Moore Leads Celebrity Hugo Chavez Apologists in Mourning Leader's Death

Reblogged from Washington Star Journal:

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BreitbartFeed/~3/eOpUREn1wSE/story01.htm

Moore usually has a lot to say..

5 Things To Know This Morning

Reblogged from Praise 1300:

Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Storm Cancels 1000 Flights in Chicago

More than 1000 flights were canceled in the Chicago area on Tuesday after a winter storm left up to 10 inches of snow in the region. The storm is now moving east.

2. Dow Reaches Record High

The Dow Jones Industrial average reached record highs on Tuesday, surpassing its previous closing high, which was set in October 2007.

Read more… 108 more words

President Chavez Dies; What's Next for Venezuela?

Reblogged from PHE.ONIX REVIEW:

• 

The charismatic president of Venezuela died yesterday after losing in a vicious battle against cancer.

Elected in 1992, President Chavez was a polarizing figure in the global atmosphere with his unrelenting dialogue against capitalism, the United States, and income inequality. An enemy of the States, and a proponent of populism, President Chavez made foes and friends as he ruled Venezuela with an iron fist.

Read more… 376 more words

Farewell Chavez

I consider it to be somewhat “sad” to lose a very strong leader from this side of the world. I have never agreed with Chavez on all his policies, especially how he treated the press and his opposition within the last couple of years. 

When all is said and done, I honestly believe that somewhere inside his heart, he carried Venezuela’s burdens and with this in mind, he though about and sought to radically reform that nation. He was poised to achieve much more, based on his election manifesto and promises he made to the people that were his fanatics ( Chavistas). 

Sadly, he was not able to carry out his plans, as the battle with cancer took a toll on his being. He had a lot of confidence in the Cuban Health System. he made several trips to Cuba for treatment. I think, the cancer might have gotten out of control even before he found out, this lead to his demise.

Friend of the Region 

In the case of Jamaica and it’s relationship with Venezuela, I think Mr. Chavez has always demonstrated that he has this country’s best interest at heart. He is cognizant of the fact that Jamaica has made whether direct or indirect, valuable contributions to Venezuela in the past. Their national Hero, Simon Bolivar has been here and from here was able to reflect on the need to transform the Americas. 

Mr. Chavez has always seen the need to reach out to Jamaica, whether with assisting with housing solutions or with the Petro Caribe deal. This, in itself has not left the country in a state of uncertainty, as some amount of reforms are expected in Venezuela and successive governments might not see the need to continue to assist countries like Jamaica in this regard. 

The reality is that death is inevitable, however, Mr. Chavez could have lived longer and would have achieved more. He had a very close relationship with Cuba, primarily with the Castro brothers. He did introduce some very socialistic policies in his country. He saw the United States as an enemy of the region. He was friends with leaders of countries that are deemed dangerous to the United States.

It is hoped that history will absolve him, in spite of his tough stands and extreme views on how his country should be led as well as the way forward for Venezuela. No matter how he is viewed from this day forward, the saying remains true by Jose Marti: “Death is just another manner in which one continues to live on”..