The Making of PROJECT GOLD- The Jamaica Tourist Board 2010 Global Advertising Campaign

Six months ago when Usain Bolt appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated I wrote this post “Usain Bolt on the Cover of Sports Illustrated-JTB Can Not Buy This Kind of Press”.

Well I was wrong, The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) now has an ad showing in North America featuring Bolt. Mixing up Jamaica’s athletic talent and the natural beauty of Jamaica.

This is what I wrote in the previous post:

The Jamaica Tourist Board can not buy international exposure like this for brand Jamaica, taking into account the outstanding performances of The Jamaica Olympic team in Beijing last year and the World Championship which recently concluded.

I eat my words because apparently they can buy exposure like this, in fact  Bolt did the ad at no cost.

The Ad itself is not on youtube yet but I found a video of a behind the scene look at the making of the ad dubbed “Project Gold”, kind of our first look at the production which is a decent four minutes twenty three seconds.

Born February 6, 1945

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds”

Robert Nesta Marley have said many words and song many songs that inspire, but none stands out more to me than the quote above.

Today Mr Marley would have been 65 – Happy Birthday to a true reggae great.

What Else Can Jamaica Sell to Trinidad and Tobago?- A Look at the Trini-Invasion and the Sale of Air Jamaica

I don’t think any one can dispute that Air Jamaica is a major drag on Jamaica’s already dire fiscal situation and by all means slaughter this gluttonous money sucking machine that has in its own little way help amass the TRILLION dollar debt bill that Jamaica can only escape through suicide.

The government has been in super secret negations since forever to sell the love bird for 50 pieces of silver and 50 pieces of gold. Air J’ it self also in liabilities all the way up to its eyeballs. It seems they finally found the “perfect match” for this baby. The government is in the final stages of freeing the love bird straight into the hands of Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines.

It is probably best to have Air Jamaica in private hands, but do we have to sell everything to Trinidad and Tobago?

I mean no offense to The People’s Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with all due respect but this is very overwhelming. Air Jamaica should not be sold to Trinidad and Tobago. I found this comic illustrations in the Jamaica Observer particular telling and it expresses the sentiments that I feel about this whole selling out to Trinidad and Tobago so vividly I have to share it with you.

I can not blame Trinidad’s business astuteness to seek out business opportunity where Jamaican businesses and political leadership have failed miserably and all but given up by handing over the keys to someone else. I know there must be Jamaican business people here able minded and have the capital to buy the so called “troubled assets” if they can see the same opportunities Trinidad is seeing.

Then again, why the hell should they do it when they can put all their money in high interest government paper and make a killing doing nothing. This has bred a laziness and lack of creative energy in our people. I remember that Air Jamaica was sold to Gordon Butch Stewart- that did not turn out so well. Hopefully with the new fiscal initiative by the government that might change

Without any empirical evidence I am going to make a wild guess that the majority of students at University, evening classes are specializing in business  areas. Look at the Universities and colleges so many business degrees and masters and MBAs for what?

Trinidad and Tobago feed Jamaica

Trinidad and Tobago already feed us by sending hordes of snacks and drinks to our supermarkets and shops. The last time I saw statistics about the balance of trade between Jamaica and its CARICOM trade partners, mainly Trinidad and Tobago it was like David VS Goliath. They have now gone as far as buying out food and beverage companies here, manufacture the goods in Trinidad then ship it to their huge distributors here in Jamaica.

There are specific examples I found in the Jamaica Observer about a few of the Jamaican companies snapped up by Trinidad and Tobago.

The year 2009 saw Angostura, a subsidiary of CL Financial, ( run by Trinidadian Lawrence Duprey) acquire the Jamaican conglomerate Lascelles de Mercado (makers of both Appleton and J Wray & Nephew rums) in a deal valued at around US$700 million.

Jamaica Beverages Limited is poised to take an even greater share of the Jamaican-flavoured beverage market. It distributes Chubby, Fruta, Busta and Viva beverages for its parent manufacturing company, SM Jaleel Limited, based in Trinidad.

Arthur Lok Jack’s Associated Brands Industries Limited (ABIL) made its presence felt in the Jamaican market by establishing Confectionery and Snacks. He purchased a 50,000 square foot building on a four-acre parcel of land in Portmore for that very purpose. This building serves as ABIL’s main distribution centre in Jamaica with another distribution depot established in Montego Bay.

Trinidad and Tobago also has major foot hold in Jamaica’s banking, insurance, construction and pharmaceuticals.

In 1999 Guardian Holdings Limited acquired the insurance trio of Dyoll Life, Crown Eagle and Jamaica Mutual who were all Finsaced. They were merged and now go under the banner Guardian Life.

The year 2000 saw RBTT acquiring FINSAC’s 99.9 per cent shareholding in Union Bank of Jamaica. The bank changed its name to RBTT Bank (Jamaica). Union Bank was the result of a merger of the business of four FINSAC-controlled commercial banks and their three allied merchant banks, all seven of which sought Government intervention when faced with insolvency: Citizens Bank; Eagle Commercial Bank; Island Victoria Bank; Workers Savings & Loan Bank; Citizens Merchant Bank; Corporate Merchant Bank; and Island Life Merchant Bank.

Trinidad-based Guardian Holdings Ltd moved in 2001 to buy the Boscobel Beach Hotel on Jamaica’s north coast in a US$14 million deal.

Also in 2001, executives of HD Hopwood & Co Ltd and Neal & Massy Holdings Ltd announced the completion of negotiations whereby Neal & Massy acquired 100 per cent of the shares in HD Hopwood, a 70-year-old Jamaican-based manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

As our political and business leaders hurt up old wounds about who did what during FINSAC, Trinidad and Tobago have taken full advantage of the financial crises of the nineties and are now major players in once failed banks and insurance companies in Jamaica.

I am afraid that one day I am going to turn on the television and see Usian Bolt waving the Trinidad and Tobago flag after shattering another world record. I am so paranoid I think the business and political class of Jamaica are secretly in collusion with Trinidad to have a passive invasion under the disguise of business deals and the most obvious invasion right before our eyes in Carnival, soca, bacchanal or what ever cousin-sister uncle of the sort right out of the Trni culture.

Isn’t it peculiar that when Mrs. Simpson-Miller became Prime Minister that first trip she took was to Port-of-Spain through the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning. When Golding administration took over they seem a little more tougher on the CARICOM deal and saw it’s imperfections and also how it might be hurting Jamaica. They even beat up on poor little old Guyana about a bag of rice.

All that fight has dissipated to the point where they are now selling Air Jamaica to Trinidad. Those Trinidadians must either be slicker that slick rick or dem obeah wi fi true.

Watch those idiot Jamaicans dancing and gyrating to the steel band of Trinidad economic control.

Okay, maybe I am exaggerating and on the fringe of insanity with conspiracy theories, I might even be a little xenophobic. I am truly concern that we are going to literally loose our economic, cultural and national identity to foreigners so passively right before our eyes most Jamaicans won’t even notice it.

I don’t think we should surrender all ourselves to other countries, it is time to remove the “FOR SALE” sign from our foreheads.

What does Trinidad and Tobago see in Jamaican businesses and economy that our own business people and politicians can not see in ourselves.  Someone should take a trip to Trinidad and ask them, maybe see Jamaica though the lens of Trinidadian business people. They are obviously smarter than us. Their dollar is stronger, their economy is more diverse, GDP is stronger.

I can here all the excuses about they have oil, we in Jamaica have this problem and that problem. We are so keen on finding and analyzing problems that we never spend anytime on solutions or find ways to turn things around. Trinidad and Tobago have managed to find opportunity that we ignore.

So what else can Jamaica sell to Trinidad and Tobago? Maybe we can sell one of the parishes, we don’t need 14 anyway, all we have to do is find the one that is most productive with the least crime. We can sell the roads, airports, garrisons, beaches, media, the humming bird, Jamaica House and the national dish.

Made in Jamaica by Trinidad & Tobago

In all fairness, even though this post is about Trinidad and Tobago much of Jamaica’s major national assets are owned by foreign companies. The airports (not both -at least not yet) and the Jamaica Public Service among others.

A few interesting articles to read:

Keep Air Jamaica in local hands, union boss pleads

Trinidad & Tobago plants its flag in corporate Jamaica

I want to express my appreciation to all Trinidadians.This post is not intended to criticize my friends from Trinidad but only to express my own personal observations and concern in my country.I hope you can  understand this concern. I am open to a discussion in a friendly and candid manner surrounding this topic.

Which Jamaican Made The Most Impact in The Past Decade Both Negative & Positive? (2000-2009)

Which Jamaican Made The Most Impact in The Past Decade Both Negative & Positive? (2000-2009)

Here we are at the end of another month, end of another year, the end of a decade. Despite our hardships, real or imagine, pessimism and hope we are blessed with interesting characters who are entertaining, humors charismatic and, athletic inclined with talent.
Times are interesting indeed.

From political leadership relied in scandals, victory, defeat even a little crying. Many admired or detested which maybe based on which side some Jamaicans sit on the political spectrum. A decade of elections carried out way more civilized than before, changes in the political guards not just the superficial green for orange but generational and even briefly gender wise with Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister. Hurricanes, riots, flooding like there was no tomorrow, highways and causeways.

Then there are the every controversial dancehall filled with feuds, clashes, festivals, fashion and the dance craze all colliding with moral warriors and other laws. Few grew to emerge on the international stage, others in a tough fight from international gay rights activist making this avenue for growth in dancehall was greatly stifled in the past decade.

And how has the business economic environment changed post FINSAC bailout of the 90’. Certainty a stronger meaner financial sector, mergers and acquisitions happened with many of Jamaica’s national assets being sold to foreigner even faint rivals. The robust growth of a telecommunications industry that has carriers at each others heels trying to run over each other.

Who can forget the closing out of a decade in high spirits thanks to our athletes in Beijing and Berlin.

So here I beckon the question- in leadership, business, music and sports

Which Jamaican Made The Most Impact in The Past Decade Both Negative & Positive? (2000-2009)

Please feel free to tell me which Jamaican should be on this list that I might have forgotten or just comment why you selected a particular individual.

Happy New Year to Everyone-may all your dreams be realized

Two Year Blogoversary

Yesterday I was sitting at working thinking, hell today is December 21st tomorrow is my 2 year Blogoversary and I don’t even have anything plan to post. I catch myself thinking of this time marker and my blog as if it was a real person.

What am I going to get my blog, what am I going to do special for this blogoversary?

In some ways it almost is. I love blogging especially when I get passionate about something, inspired by something or someone or just feel like giving some trouble. I mean where else can I express myself so freely to the world on my own time, in my own domain (sort of).

Today December 22nd, KSM turns 2. A baby that’s no longer creeping but walking, almost running but not quite there yet and in my dreams hope it can fly some day, now that would take real commitment.

The questions I ask myself as I celebrate are: Do I still love what I do and have my blog grown. Answering these questions honestly is easy for me.

Although sometimes I feel like blogging is a chore and I have been very busy especially during the past year, I am sometimes overwhelmed with balancing other areas of my life and finding time to blog. I am reminded ever so often however of the joy of having this little space WordPress has afforded me in this digital world where I can lay down my opinions in the most grammatically incorrect ways to share with all who are interested to see it.

So yes, I absolutely love blogging. What I like to do even more than blogging is reading other blogs that are interesting, colorful, emotional and delightfully inspiring, these are the things that keeps me blogging.

The second question is have my blog grown. One might wonder if you love what you are doing why do you care about growth? Not just growth but growth in what way?

Good question

**scratches head**

If I want to feed my insatiable ego I might say, well. I have more readerships this year than last year. I guess I could say that’s growth in the numerical sense in a world obsessed with figures and targets.

I think my blog has grown in the numerical sense but it has grown me. I have adopted different writing styles; I am more abreast to the current events, I have made interesting discoveries researching for my posts and gained wonderful insights into situations I would otherwise scan over. The comments and opinions of readers to my blog have answered questions and prompt me to dig deeper into stories.

Looking forward to 2010 I hope to make some major changes. I aspire to tap into that creative genius we all have and create real value. For balance I will be doing more posts about myself and what I am doing, why?, helps with personal awareness and personal development. I still love talking about the current events of the day and so I will continue with those. I will try to be more focus on specific areas. I feel like I writing my goals for my blog.

So here we go again for clarity, create value, focus, and integrate blog more with life so that both worlds don’t compete for time (balance).

The number one goal however is simply to continue having fun and enjoy what I am doing. Here is to a great year 2009.

Looking up at 2010 with the greatest optimism, a new year, a new decade, a clean slate and brand new book where we are our own writers. What do you want to create?

Next destination December 22nd 2010

Happy 2010-You Will Be Paying More Taxes

As most of you may already know our kind and considerate government of Jamaica will be giving us a tax hike for the brand new year. Read this excerpt from the Sunday Observer.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw announced a number of revenue measures Thursday which he said form part of a programme for a stand-by arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. Included in the measures, which will take effect January 1, 2010, was an announcement that the standard rate of GCT would be increased from 16.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent.

Minister Shaw also expanded the list of items which would be subject to the revised GCT. Some of these items include: books and booklets, brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for religious purposes, sports equipment, including clothing; some medical supplies, including artificial parts of the body, canes and crutches and contact lenses; food items including fresh fruit and vegetables, ground provision, onions and garlic, meat and poultry, sugar, salt, eggs and rolled oats and services rendered by an undertaker including burial or cremation and the supply of coffins.

What a way to start 2010, brand new decade.  So far we had tax hike on passports, cigarettes, alcohol, computer equipments,phones, phone cards those things that were exempt now falls on the tax axe.

According to the new “revised tax progrmme”books and booklets, brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for religious purposes will be taxed. Remember earlier this year the up roar about reading materials being taxed and the government decided not tax books and instead targeted cigarettes and alcohol.

I guess they did a tax gymnastic on us not only are those items still taxed but they came back and tax books anyway. If you think that’s bad the dead will have paying too, after all death, murders, dead yard is big business in Jamaica. The government could not make such a lucrative sector as the death industry of the economy go untouched. Services provided by the undertakers will be subjected to tax.

The Guns for drugs trade which was previously exempt from tax will now see 17.5% tax being applied. This is as a result of the short fall in revenue this year due to the global recession and lost revenue by the government from their cut from Buju’s cocaine but in Florida.

Other items to be taxed includes Gaza-Gully t-shirts, posters, badges (before the peace and after the peace.The government will also need a cut from any Kartel-Bounty clash at Sting 2009.

Even with the tax on alcohol Jamaicans might will be dazed by intaxication. Then again government does some strange things, they raise taxes on liquor then raise taxes on the things that cause people to drink, anyway enough of my shenanigans.

“Rule a kingdom as though you were cooking a small fish — don’t overdo it.”

——–Lao Tse

A few questions I am pondering:

What other options were available to increase government revenue without raising tax?

What are the likely impact on the working class, middle class, and business from these new taxes?

Will there be any more taxes in the short term (24 months) or long term (greater than 24 months)?

What efforts have been made to formalize informal parts of the economy which might be “free riding” the system (underground economy)?

After the recession, if remittances come back, bauxite comes back would there be any adjustments downwards on taxes?

President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize-“Now That He Has Won It-He Has To Earn It”

As I watched the news today about President Obama  Collecting his Nobel Peace Prize  I ask the question again, for what?

What has he done in his few months as president?

Here we have a very young presidency. Guantanamo  Bay is still open, the war in Iraq was winding down even before Obama took office and he just accelerated a surge strategy in Afghanistan.

What peace has he brought to the world?.

This has been a genuine question in my mind for months now since it was announced he was the winner this year of the Nobel Peace Prize. I had discussions with colleagues at work, online and listened to the so called “expert” analyst- talking heads and there seem to be a void of no true reason.

No real explanation, even the president who made a comment after the announcement a couple months seem to be at awe.

The speech today showed another example of the mystery, the void, the unanswered questions. The president compared himself to other winners and in not so many words he said he was a dwarf standing among giants such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, almost saying “I really don’t deserve this”.

As I watched the television report of highlights of the president’s acceptance speech I was all about to forget about the lingering why?, then near the end of the report they interviewed the Norwegians who gathered in the streets to celebrate, protest or just get a glimpse of the first black president. There was this one blonde hair beautiful woman who sported a nice red sweater and sun glasses, she said and I paraphrase it.

“Now that he has won it he has to earn it”

As she said this, the lingering question of why found the answer. In my mind I have long given up on the why. This comment mad sense.

“Now that he has won it he has to earn it”—This is like saying treat a man the way you would want him to act. It is almost like a trap in the sense that he is expected to be the “peace” president. A Nobel peace prize winner can not or should not play cow boy and Indians.

I guess one could also say that from all indications he would be the opposite of the last president,

Obama is a smart guy and I think he picked up on this long ago. The most used word in his speech was “war” and for the first time I heard him use the word “evil in the world” several times. He almost sounded like Bush. I think this was his push back to the “Now that he has won it he has to earn it”. He is trying to untie his hands from peace.

I am sure this could be interpreted in many different ways however this is the explanation that makes the most sense to me, the answer to my WHY.

After seeing this I started thinking what if most other things in the world worked that way.

Our intentions and manifestations are remarkable things. If you treat me like a champion I will act like a champion. If you treat me like your most valid employee I will act like your most valid employee.

Want more crazy ideas, working backwards. Here is your exam results, you gain full marks.

Buy yourself those new jeans you will fit in after you loose the 40 pounds. This will be my welcome mat for the new house I intend to buy –Yes go ahead and count your eggs even if you don’t have a chicken.

In many ways dreams, goals and plans are all in theory until we do something practical to help make it one step closer to reality.

This is no different from setting your goals and making them real by writing them down and telling them to other people. It keeps you focus, committed and motivate.

Was it laden who said in the song

“Mi just a practice fi rich cause di money so come”

Chatty Cabbie

The mini-van cabbie crossed the street and stopped right at my feet. The cabbie beckoned me to the front seat which was empty.

How very kind, but what the hell is this about—-“Greetings”

Seconds after I embarked on my journey to represent the system I hate the cabbie was bursting with excitement to discuss the latest news headlines. He rolled off the headlines like he was reading the headlines for news at 5 or something and for the whole journey.

It was then I realized I was lowered to the long tales of my chatty pilot. Damn, I really don’t like talking on public transportation; I don’t like to talk sometimes regardless even more so early morning.

Besides, my mind was more pondering my final exam I had later in the day.

I prayed for clear skies and zero delays on this journey, go ahead and break the stop light and speed limit if you have to-Okay that’s going too far but you know what I mean-I really don’t want to talk right now, make it quick.

I don’t think it is selfish or rude to just not want to talk “right now”.

I was right in the belly of the beast and there was no escape for the next 30 minutes or so.

He started off by telling me that they were going to free Stephen Fray. This got my attention. He must be lying or joking I thought, but why. I am sure I would have heard about this from somewhere, but then again my whole life has been buried in problem papers, deadlines, assignments, beating the books in anticipation of this very morning, this very day, hours away. Not to mention unexpected problems that has popped up at work, promises to break and keep.

I asked him where he heard this and he said from Ron Mutchette on Irie-FM. I looked away and paused, hiding the loathe I have for chirpy radio personalities like Ron, Francois or Jenny Jones so early in the mornings.

I should have guessed the source. All cab drivers in rural Jamaica have a secret covenant with Ron and Jenny because it is all they listen to in the mornings. Nothing personal against high energy morning radio -I am just not much of a morning person. I do like Jenny’s health tips and positive attitude sometimes however and Ron can be humorous at times with all those sound effects and his top 10 lists but overall not my cup of tea in the mornings.

I need my own ride again-very soon.

I thought to myself, if he heard it from Ron he might have misinterpreted one of Ron’s jokes to be real. For me it just didn’t make sense. My mind flashed back to a discussion I had with my barber a couple months back. We could all agree that 84 years was quite excessive a sentence, almost ridiculous.

I continued with the flow of the conversation agreeing that yes he should not be locked up for 84 years. The argument and justification for me saying that was that many more murderous, corrupt individuals are free as a bird. He is not a life time criminal just a young man who made a fucked up mistake (jackass). Using the regular justifying wrong by pointing at other wrongs.

As I sat there actually opening up to the discussion rattling off why he should be free even though deep down I doubted the accuracy of what he told me. He started agreeing with me even though at first he seemed to disagree. This annoyed me a little. Switching sides so quickly and easily aroused my suspicions of the cabbie being honest with me even in this cavalier conversation about who knows what. Yes, I expect him to be honest with me even though I am not being honest myself.

He continued to pop out headlines talking about Renito Adams wanting to be commissioner of police. Of course I thought this was a loony idea but the way he jumped from Fray to Adams I pretended to agree with his assertion that Adams should be Commissioner of Police-right back at you cabbie-He switch on me and pretend to agree I switch on him and pretend to agree.

HA!!

Childish I know but who cares 15 minutes to go before it’s over. Next it was the IMF, I could pick up the cabbie’s political inclinations based on the way he talked.

Yes Comrade, No comrade. I could sense his radar scanning for my political leaning through prompting. I remained neutral. I sarcastically said that maybe the government should not get this money from the IMF. All they (government after government) do is borrow and put the country into a deeper hole. Of course I was not thinking about any real world repercussions of not having money to run a county.

Cabbie went silent and looked ahead on the road. I felt kind of bad and I think my sarcasm and indifference in the whole episode was based on the core fact that I really didn’t want to be part of this show.

Intuitively I sensed that saying the country shouldn’t get the money meant the huge pot holes that cabbie is navigating around would never get fixed among numerous other things- I felt stupid but who cares only 5 minutes before touch down.

Upon arrival I paid my dues and exchanged greetings once again.. I actually found the conversation interesting. Later that day I heard that the police Commissioners Office or some organization got 34 applications for commissioner of police, no news if Mr Adams was one of those on the short list. I borrowed a copy of the Jamaica Observer and saw the editorial cartoon poking fun at a Prime Minister decked out in Gaza – Gully , Gangsta clothing running into a meeting with the fractions at Jamaica House ignoring the IMF official standing and looking in amazement.

I also saw the Stephen Fray story buried in a very small section of the paper. Talk about hiding the news. I really only scanned the paper but it mentioned something about the DPP dropping the charges against Fray. I think they are intentionally hiding it as to not alert the international community they are letting him free so if you are from “FARIGN” please don’t read this, the 84 years was just for show, even the guy who threw the shoe at president Bush is free.

100 Greatest Motivational & Pump-up Songs Ever Made

Music is one of the strongest motivator for me personally. Here a share a list of songs that I think express theme of the human spirit to over come challenges, realize dreams,stand up to foes; to love and inspire.

1. Get Up Stand Up – Bob Marley

2. The Harder They Come – Jimmy Cliff

3. Many Rivers to Cross -Jimmy Cliff

4. Young Gifted and Black -Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths

5. If Jah is Standing by my Side -Tony Rebel

6. Bob Marley – Songs of Freedom

7. Man in the Mirror -Michael Jackson

8. No Boundaries -Kris Allen

9. If You’re Out There- John Legend

10. Waiting on the World to Change -John Mayer

11. I’ve Got Soul But I’m Not A Soldier -The Killers

12. Everybody Is Free To Wear Sunscreen-Baz Luhrmann

13. One Love – Bob Marley

14. Walk Hard – Dewey Cox

15. Champion – Kanye West

16. Stronger – Kanye West

17. Hold On – Yolanda Adams

18. You Can Get It If You Really Want-Jimmy Cliff

19. I Believe – Yolanda Adams

20. Hero – Mariah Carey

21. Unwritten -Natasha Bedingfield

22. What a Feeling – Flashdance

23. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

24. We Will Rock You | We Are the Champions-Queen

25. Life  – G Whizz

26. Cup of Life – Ricky Martin

27. Step by Step – Whitney Houston

28. I’m On My Way – The Proclaimers

29. I’ve Got the Power – Snap

30. it’s My Life – Bon Jovi

31. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

32. I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly

33. You Gotta Be – Des’ree

32. When You Believe – Mariah Carey/ Whitney Houston

33. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

34. You Gotta Want it – Roberta Gold

35. What a Feeling-Irene Cara

36. Till I Collapse – Eminem

37. Simply The Best-Tina Turner

38. This is The Moment – Moody Blues

39. Remember The Name – Fort Minor

40. Reach – Gloria Estefan

41. Mighty Wings – Cheap Trick

42. Dream Big – David Cook

43. Eye of The Tiger – Survivor

44. Raise to The Occasion – Sizzla

45. Lose Yourself – Eminem

46. It’s My Life – Bon Jov

47. The Storm is Over Now R. Kelly

48. Defying Gravity – Elpheba

49. Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti

50. I Hope You Dance -  LeeAnn Womack.

51. Another One Bites the Dust-Queen

52. Let’s Go – Lil Jon feat. Trick Daddy and Twista

53. World’s Greatest – R. Kelly

54. When You Were Young – The Killers

55. Hell 4 a hustler – Tupac

56. Dont Push Me – 50 cent

57. Wild Thing – The Togg

58. On the Eve of War- Jedi Mind Tricks

59. Can’t be Touched- Roy Jones Jr

60. Lil Jon – Throw It Up

61. Hustling – Rick Ross

62. We Ready – Archie

63. Never Scared – Bone Crusher

64. Who Let the Dogs Out-

65. Wake Up – Rage Against The Machine

66. Let The Bridges Burn – Killswitch Engage

67. Animals – Nickelback

68. Let’s Go – Trick Daddy

69. Let The Bodies Hit The Floor – Drowning Pool

70. Down With The Sickness – Disturbed

71. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana

72. Back In Black – AC/DC

73. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses

74. For the Love of Money – The O’Jays

75. With My Own Two Hands – Ben Harper

76. Be Somebody – Fort Minor

77. Drive – Incubus

78. Raise a Little Hell  – Trooper

79. I Want it All – Queen

80. Highway to The Dangerzone -  Kenny Logins

81. Let’s Get It Started – Black Eye Peas

82. Pick Up The Pieces – Average White Band

83. Zombie Nation – Kernkraft 400

84. Jammin’ – Bob Marley

85. Equal Rights – Peter Tosh

86. Wonderful World, Beautiful People – Jimmy Cliff

87. Love Is My Religion – Ziggy Marley

88. Better Must Come – Delroy Wilson

89. Tomorrow People – Ziggy Marley

90. I Am Not Afraid – Etana

91. Winner- Konshens

92. This Is Why I’m Hot – Mims

93. Livin on a Prayer – Bon Jovi

94. Express Yourself – Madonna

95. Broken Wings – Mister Mister

96. Invincible – Pat Benetar

97. Dream Away – Babyface & Lisa Stanfield

98. Power of the Dream – Celine Dion

99. Pump It – The Black Eyed Peas

100. Heal The World – Various Artists

Male Prostitute Poses as Female Shocks Sex Buyer, Another Senseless Student Kills Another over Bullshit, Hilarious-Ity & Fancy Show Pokes Fun @ Portia (Video)

Another senseless murder in Jamaica’s schools, in this news report a student from Marcus Garvey High  stabbed and killed A student from Ferncourt High.

This has become such a common occurrence I don’t know why I am even blogging about it. I guess it’s just sad to see things like these happening all the time. I heard some people asking the question whether the parents should be held accountable for their children’s action.

To some degree yes, but in other cases no. It’s a very thin line. After all some parents might beg and plead and do everything possible to make sure their children does not end up on the fringe of society but the task must be daunting especially in an environment that is pulling in the opposite direction of good values.

I guess we should just accept the fact that Jamaica is a murderous blood loving place. We can all carrying on with our lives not really caring anymore because we believe there is nothing we can do, the bloody gore is no where near us- yet?

What is to be made of one child stabbing the other to the point of death?. What was the dispute about? did it really warrant such drastic action?

Then again we have all seen on TV and on youtube how a rasta man maliciously chopped a taxi driver repeatedly for a measly $20 change or was it $20 for loading the car with passengers. (it was interesting to see the newscaster several nights later making a 5 min public apology for showing the gross video, it was ordered by the broadcasting commission.

HeeHee

I guess some people found the video offensive and complained. I heard about it and watched it on youtube. I think I remember the front part of a parked car blocking the actual chops inflicted upon the poor taxi driver who was on the ground. I don’t remember seeing any blood but it was still kind of horrifying.

Anyway I am rambling about something totally unrelated to what this post is about.

What is going on? Why we are so angry, so short tempered. I think it might be our general situation. Life is full of challenges, financial, personal relationships wise, the whole paradise can seem like hell and even if you are “Okay” relative to others you can not escape the harsh realities of our national dilemma, what affect other people. We also have a general culture to kill plain and simple.

There was man in Montego Bay who stabbed his girlfriend repeatedly then drown himself after finding out she has been cheating on him and gave him AIDS.

***blogger,sigh-shaking his head

That’s a hard, hard pill to swallow. Just imagine the shock, the anger, the rage. Then to know she has been hiding it from him for years and knowingly infected him and maybe others. The deception and betrayal is beyond computation.

Oh my god.

Question is where is the justice in that. What were his other course of action could such a person have taken in a situation like that? He saw just one way out sadly. The truth is that there are no real systems in place to address this in a precise and fair manner.

Do you see a justice system, counseling system or other wise?

There have been at least two other similar murder-suicides in the last week or so of a men killing his wife/spouse then killing himself. One man in St Mary killed his girlfriend after she broke it off and went to stay with her mother. He followed her killed her, he also murdered his girlfriend’s mother and father then committed suicide. In the news cast last night another man killed his ex-girlfriend at her place of employment then killed himself.

Talk about “can’t live without you” or “till death do us part”

Jamaicans, or Jamaican men, or men, or people in general in Jamaica don’t believe in talking about their problems, maybe that was too broad a statement. We all know what our issues are as it relates to crime whether domestic, gangs, political or otherwise, but its either too complex a task for government, the community or otherwise to solve. A part from being scared out of our wits if it doesn’t affect you directly why should you care.

Here I was talking about the Ferncourt – Marcus Garvey High stabbing and I peered off about a bunch of other issues. In more ways than one it’s all related. Truth is it feels like no one is in charge so everyone will take matters into their own hands. Maybe whoever is in charge don’t really care or don’t know what to do.

There are a few questions that I would like to ask. The safe school initiative is not working obviously and no system is perfect, so how can it be tweaked to really save lives in school? What was the conflict about? The last couple of killings, fights I heard about it was about cellphones, girl or just a simple t-square. What other avenues were available to resolve the disputes at school. What could have the parent do to prevent this from happening? Who intervene to stop school fights?

Male Prostitute Poses as Female Shocks Sex Buyer

There is never a dull day in Jamaica. I scarcely get a chance to see the news on television (yes sometimes I go under the rock involuntarily) I have been the dummy in various discussions about local events so I decided to watch news at 10 on TVJ to get up to speed a little. The TV was mute as I was talking on the phone but the images showed an individual in short jeans and silver high heels shoes walking around. Curious I  unmutted the television- it turn out that this was a man posing as a woman.

I have to say I was fooled in the first instance jist looking  at the images. If you were to watch this video muted without any graphics displaying what the story was about would you think this person is a man or a woman?

If you watch video close enough you might notice that although the individual dresses like a female, walk like a female and sit like a female she really is a man.

Some how what I just said doesn’t sound right. I can see how the alleged sex buyer might have been fooled. On closer examination however the softer feminine features of a woman are absent and the masculine features are clearly present-What we in Jamaica might say the “toughness” shows. There is no universal physical truth about how a person might look in terms of their sex especially with the recent saga with that athlete from South Africa. This is different; it’s just a man trying to look like a woman. He is prostituting in the streets of May Pen picking up men.

The male cross desser prostitute is posing as a woman was picked up by the sex buyer. Imagine the surprise and shock when the alleged sex buyer-why am I saying “alleged sex buyer”.

Anyway the buyer found out this girl had a penis in stead of the usual vagina-don’t laugh. According to the news report there was an apparent struggle-fight in the car and the police intervened. They were taken to the May Pen police station but I didn’t hear of any one being charged for anything but I have to say this was hilarious.

There were no pictures of the sex buyer in the report and they censored the face of the cross dresser male-female prostitute. The reporter didn’t even seem to have attempted to interview the prostitute who pranced about the police station as if on fashion week but instead the camera-person was just mostly taping the lower body of the prostitute. She/he was obviously strutting for the camera that was present.

There are always unanswered questions in theses reports.

Why would someone do something so bold  knowing how many Jamaicans feel about this behavior? Is it economic, fantasy or he is just a homosexual, is it regular practice for this to happen and it don’t make the news? Maybe men in the dark of night do engage in these arrangements in this exact kind of senario, Is the story even true, maybe the sex buyer knew what he was getting into and there was a conflict about money or something else? Prostitution is a crime, homosexuality is a crime in Jamaica whether you agree with it or not. Was it really necessary for this to be the leading story for news @ 10?.

Talk about not getting what you paid for. Imagine ordering chicken and getting FISH, buyer beware indeed, classic bait and switch.

The boldness of cross dressing

With all the challenges of life on the rock  it is refreshing for programs like The Ity & Fancy Show. I have been hearing about this show a lot and still have not gotten a chance to watch a full episode. I catch a little part this past Friday when they were making fun of the who Gaza-Gully situation, Yes laughter is good. Here they use the debates from the last general election with then Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller-Enjoy.

How to Steal & Hide $USD41 Million by Carlos Hill

President Obama needs to turn this thing around

What I am about to say may cost me a few friends but I wouldn’t be true to myself to not be honest. I know we are all proud of the first Black US President here in Jamaica, but what happens when the real work starts, this is where the real history is written.

I am so very, very disappointed of President Obama tenure thus far. The presidency is turning out to be a failure. I hope that I am wrong. I have written him off before. I pray I  am wrong again.

A president that has no balls, no guts and no practical sense-harsh I know. I can not believe I am about to say this but President Bush often mess up the pronunciation of words and many might argue the whole world but he was a practical hands on guy who had PRINCIPLE and balls, he stood his ground and he didn’t give a fuck what the world thinks, If Obama can even measure half of that he would be Okay.

Anyone who has read this blog over a long time knows I am a stench supporter of President Obama long before it was “popular” or “looked possible” . But I am beginning to wonder if I was wrong. A man better at making great inspiring speeches but lack realness.

Should America had elected Hillary Clinton.?, she has two balls, Obama has none, he is weak. She is tough; the hard nose fight for the democrat nominee is a clear example of the wiring of this woman.

No one can deny that the president inherited a very bad economic situation, but then you had the democrats passing TARP which bailed out the big banks which was absolutely necessary, but the packing of pork spending in a recession was shameful and disgraceful. President closed his eyes and signed the pork bill pleasing his democrat friends in congress.

These same Democrats who are themselves weak turn their backs on serious health reforms that the president is pushing. They will pass the pork in a hurry but lack the fight for healthcare which is a serious problem in America ( I am talking from intimate knowledge and experiences). I like to look at this from perspective. What If Hillary Clinton was elected president?, she would fight. Instead America has a president who negotiates from a weak position to an even weaker position-healthcare reform.

Taking what you can get I guess. Water down policy, caving in to the Republicans who will never support Obama. Yet still you have President Obama spouting “bi-party support” Where is the fight and the all inspiring passion we saw last year in the primaries.

Unemployment in America is almost 10% , the worst in 26 years. You would think the president would spend every working hour talking about and planning on pushing the economy. Why not make the economy the main issue now. I think he is doing too much all at once.

There is a saying that if you chase two rabbits you will lose them both. Yes a president has to deal with multiple issue plus surprises but he can make one major pressing issue this so called mantle. The massive healthcare bill which is being watered down to nothing is an example of doing too much at once. Just after a big pork bill people get uncomfortable about a growing giant deficit. Then you have this additional spending on another massive healthcare bill.

Why not break the bill in smaller pieces, making it easier for people to swallow and digest? Not every one can take such massive changes regardless of how dire it is needed. One former civil rights activist said that civil rights for blacks in America was not gained in one single go. They had to fight making progress over time.

It’s frustrating to watch the President doing things such as getting into personal small sideshows like an altercation between a professor and a police or the embarrassing failed Olympic bid for his home state of Chicago. He is being seen as a soft president that’s why a fellow congress man would shout to him “you lie” , radio and television talk show hosts will attack him in such deep personal ways. I think President Obama is being distracted by small issues.

When you have Tom Daschle and another Obama staffers being attacked by the right wing haters to resign this is expected, but when Obama or the people he chooses quickly bow out because of pressure they look so weak.

It was laughable and daunting seeing the president accepting Tom Daschle withdrawal from the nominee of some top important job where he had personal expert knowledge because of a little controversy the President came out and apologized and took the blame. Refreshing to see a president big enough to accept a mistake even though in my opinon it was not necessary, especially after the Bush era.

But this is not just a one off thing, if there is just the slightest controversy around an Obama staffer they fueled by the right wing of course  the Obama admin will quickly offer that person to the demands of  the savages, but we know sacrifices does not satisfy the gods, but only make them grow anger and hungrier.

If had to grade the President tenure so far, other than pulling the economy back from the brink of disaster which he does not remind people enough about he would fail miserably. An to think he is failing when the democrats hold both the White House and congress. Makes me wonder what would happened if they republicans held congress. They can not agree and make progress when they have all the cards. The democrats are weak and I hope the republicans win congress in the mid-terms election because the democrats does not know what to do, can’t agree to do or just too scared.

Just think back to when President Bush and the congress controlled all branches of power in the United States. They wages wars, created two imperfect democracies, pass controversial bills, pardon friends, lie and deny regardless of who was offended or opposed it. They controlled the debate and lead the way and even today their actions are leading issues and shaped the world forever.

Not that I agree with all those things but they believed and were not afraid. Democrats can not agree and all they see is fear. After they took the majority in congress under Bush. they didn’t impeach and investigate the Bush administration for serious issues. America can not trust democrats with national security is something often said. It might be true.

I hope everything I said is untrue and I will wake up to a new reality.  I hope this is just a rocky first year and it gets better from here.

Texting-Jamaican Style

1. TWY = Tek Weh Yuself
2. XA = X Amount
3. AO = Alms Ouse
4. BPT = Back Pon Top
5. BOAL = Buss Out A Laff
6. BOABDL = Buss Out A Big Dutty Laff
7. CAS = Crack A Smile
8. DWL = Dead Wid Laff
9. DWLAPUMS = Dead Wid Laff And Peepee Up Mi Self
10. FR = Fi Real
11. KMN = Kiss Mi Neckback
12. KYAWO = Kut Yeye And Wheel Out
13. LIH = Lick Innu Head
14. LM = Likkle More
15. MPD = Mad People Dem
16. MYODB = Mine Yuh Own Dyamn Biznezz
17. NR = Nuff Respect
18. WUAS = Whey yuh a sey
19. KY = ku ya
20. GP = Gal Pickeney

21. GTMC = God Tek Mi Case

Jamaican Joke-Three Jamaican Sons

Three Jamaican sons left home, went out on their own and prospered.

Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give to
their elderly mother:

The first son said, “Mi bill a big house wid land an gi mama.” The second son
said, “Mi sen har a cris Benz wid a driver”

The third smiled and said, “Mi beat di 2 a unnu. Yuh memba how Mama use to
love fi read har Bible? An yuh know seh she cyaan see too good. Mi sen har a
Church parrot dat recite di entire Bible. It tek di elders inna di church 15
years fi teach im. Im exclusive man. Mama jus hafi name di chapter an di verse,
an di parrot wi recite it.”

Soon thereafter, Mother sent out her letters of thanks:

“Milton,” she wrote one son, “A weh duh yuh bwoy, a chupid yuh chupid suh. Di
house yuh bill too big. A mi one live inna one room, but mi always ha fi a clean
di whole house.”

“Winston,” she wrote to another, “Yuh a eediat, yuh dun know mi too old fi
travel. Mi always inna di yard, suh mi nuh use di Mercedes an di driver im too
facey!”

“Dearest Delroy,” she wrote to her third son, “you have the good sense fi know
what your mother likes. The chicken was delicious.”

Usain Bolt on the Cover of Sports Illustrated-JTB Can Not Buy This Kind of Press

The States premier sports Magazine Sports Illustrated September issue features Jamaica’s Usian Bolt on the cover “Mind boggling speed”. SI  sports Mag has a fairly large readership across north America. The Jamaica Tourist Board can not buy international exposure like this for brand Jamaica, taking into account the outstanding performances of The Jamaica Olympic team in Beijing last year and the World Championship which recently concluded.

September Issue of SI features Usain Bolt

Bolt has really done it this year again. I know people are reluctant to say it but I think it’s fair to say what he has achieved is legendary, something never done before and extremely unique, something that will always be remembered, something unlikely to be repeated, although one should never say never.

I read an article in the Jamaica Gleaner last week where the columnist was a little uncomfortable with the new Texaco Ad in the newspapers where Bolt is in the starting blocks next to a very fast car with the word “unbeatable”. According to the writer it was almost like all the superlatives are going to jinks Bolt and he is going to “pap dung” or get into trouble.

I think people are afraid to say legendary, great, one of the greatest because they are afraid he is going to do something to get in trouble or get beat at the tracks. I think that’s a reasonable concern for any individual not just Bolt. A 23 year old guy literally with the world on his shoulders with great expectations from him both as an athlete and a role model. Life is a journey imperfect to all, we can only do the best we can.

I recently discovered that Puma has been supporting Bolt since he was 16 years old, Puma also sponsored the Jamaica bobsled team. Nuff love to Puma for being visionaries and believing in Jamaica’s athletic talent.

So what can corporate Jamaica learn from Puma?, Do they have the patience, the confidence, or even the patriotic nation building stamina to follow a similar strategy as Puma? after all what Puma has done is nothing new. I remember watching something on Real Sports where sports companies and other corporate folks line up with dollars and favors to talent as young as 9. Jamaican companies have a wonderful unique opportunity here to invest in Jamaica sports, look at the payoff for Puma who now estimate Bolts media value to be over 300 million Euros, wow-

Can Jamaicans develop the talent and at the same time have the vision to take it all the way. We Jamaicans need to believe in ourselves more, it seems it always takes visionaries from abroad (good business people with good intentions) to see potential opportunities.

I think one of our problems is our inability to spot opportunity, create opportunity and see potential opportunity in our people and country.

Apart from Bolts own personal rewards which he most certainly deserve, how can Jamaica as a country capitalize on this great opportunity? How can we benefit through tourism, through Jamaica branding, through hosting regional and even international sporting events, merchandising?.

Can you think of other ways Jamaica can capitalize on this opportunity?

What are the likely impact of all this greatness bestowed on the country?. Will the government, business people and ordinary Jamaicans put more effort in sports?

Will more parents encourage their sons and daughters to run, play football, cricket among other sports.

Jamaica’s biggest export has never really been sugar, banana or bauxite, it’s the people in sports and music.

Another Great Performance by the Jamaican Women & Men’s 4×100 M Relay Team-Pure Gold (Video)

There is a bit of a controversy regarding Veronica not running in the 4×100 relay. Congratulations to the US relay team win in the 4×400. These are truly historic times for Jamaica. As of today we rank second in the world in terms of medal haul at the IAAF World Championship games, just imagine if we participated in other events other than just track and field.

Proud Jamaica

Usain Bolt (WR) 19:19 200m & Melanie Walker 400m Hurdles & Veronica Campbell Brown (silver) 200m-Video

Usain Bolt WR (9.58) & Shelly-Ann Fraser-To Di Werrl

G Whizz – Life (Da chune ya sell-off) Video

Ghetto yutes just gwan brave di weather, yah go mek it betta do yu ting, yu hustling be wise and get yu act together,….No greedy gwan work fi yu likkle till yu likkle tun nuff no badda be no cruff.

I hear hope and perseverance-struggle, dreams in the lyrics of this song. What do you hear?.

Read the write up about G Whizz

How emancipated do you feel (emancipation day)

e⋅man⋅ci⋅pate

1.         to free from restraint, influence, or the like.

2.         to free (a slave) from bondage.

3.       to terminate paternal control over.

5 Real Reasons Jamaicans are the 3rd Happiest People on the Planet

• 1.  Beaches——stress free

Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world-and for this fact Jamaicans are the 3rd happiest people in the world. So beautiful are the beaches that raider would invade and move truck loads of white pristine sand beach front and hoard it off to some other location for own personal and commercial pleasure.

Jamaicans take special care to enjoy their beaches all year round in almost perfect weather ( except for the dodging of catastrophic hurricanes almost every summer). This is even more evident on weekends, public holiday’s, summer beach parties or just a quite Sunday morning swim before all the trappings of modern living. It is customary for churches, clubs or families to plan holiday excursions most notably to the north coast to enjoy the world class beaches. Great food and music thrown into the mixtures makes for great merry making.

Jamaica’s beaches are world famous; they lure many tourists here to enjoy them, tourism is Jamaica’s bread and butter industry. Negril’s seven miles stretch of white sand beauty is a favorite with tourists and locals. The Dunn’s River Falls/Beach is a major attraction all year round. Others include James Bond Beach, Cardiff Hall Beach, Hellshire Beach, Frenchmen’s Cove Beach and the Blue Lagoon made famous by the movie “Blue Lagoon” staring Brook Shields in Portland just to name a few.

With so much national and international spotlight on Jamaican beaches, some Jamaicans have conspired in sworn secrecy to keep a few of the wonderful gems secret from the prying eyes of international magazines and big hotel corporations who line the beach fronts in profiteering ventures.

They are Jamaica’s “hidden beaches”. These beaches are known to only a few locals and visiting Jamaicans. So secret are some of these beaches that are not accessible by normal transportation, most are located behind “bush”, up a hill, down a slope, through a hidden track and pass a shop.

• 2. Churches—high on god

Happiness is next to godliness- If salvation does make you happy, what does?

Jamaica has the highest per capita of churches in the world according to the Guinness book of world records. This irony is not left unnoticed that Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Yes they are a people of records both good and bad.

Just as the population is ethnically diverse similarly religious diversity is a part of Jamaica.  Jamaicans are deeply spiritual people. A country that strongly believes in god, Jamaicans are church going people.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Jamaica. Others include Catholics, Protestants and Seventh Day Adventists just to name a few from a diverse group.. Revivalists are a smaller group that some may refer to as a cult. It has strong African Voodoo (Obeah) characteristics.

Rastafarianism is uniquely position in religious/movement Jamaican culture as it is the only one to originate from the island. Rastafarianism has a very strong connection to Jamaican music as well as many famous Jamaicans practice Rastafarianism.

Although many Jamaicans profess their love for god, many do not actually attend church, except for special occasions such as Easter or Christmas of course. Many Jamaicans who celebrate secular culture such as dancehall will quickly draw for passages from the bible condemning homosexuality.

Children especially are encouraged to attended Sunday school from an early age. It is normal to see big broad hats line the pews on a Sunday morning, A Jehovah’s Witness may offer you a magazine on the street or knocks on your door, not even public transportation escape the teaching of the lord as the JUTC buses on occasions will have a pastor on board delivering the holy message.

Most Jamaican schools still begin the day with devotion much to the displeasure of some the youngsters, no separation of church and state here and prayer is a daily occurrence in school. The National Prayer Breakfast is a national event and politicians are warming up more and more to religious groups whose clout seems to grow yearly on national issues such as abortion, homosexuality and the death penalty.

The national anthem is laced with references to god, “eternal father bless our land, guide use with thy mighty hand” It would seem as if the very first lines of the national anthem was taken right out of the bible itself. Religion played a very important role in the movement to fight against slavery in Jamaica. National heroes such as Paul Bogle and Sam Sharpe where leaders in the church.

• 3.  Comedy—numbing the pain with laughter

Jamaicans are naturally jovial people, very friendly and love a good story to laugh about. Jamaicans are very animated people; they love to amuse themselves in comedic delight in the form of poetry, songs and roots play or just plain social commentary in their native tongue Patwa.  Although Jamaicans might not be as world renowned for their comedy as they are for music or sports, several iconic figures stand out in Jamaican comedy. These include Louise Bennett (Miss Lou) and Oliver Samuels. Others include Professor Nuts, Twins of Twins, Joan Andrea Hutchinson and many more.

No other Jamaican is more recognized for this amusing part of Jamaican culture than Louise Bennett, her poems are legendary in Jamaican culture and has inspired many others who have followed in her footstep and a source of great laughter.

Oliver Samuels’s Oliver @ Large was a very popular comedy on Jamaican television and although it has been off air for years now Jamaican still send copies abroad or just watch them again and again at the enthralling humor.

Roots play is undoubtedly the most riveting and popular aspect Jamaica’s comedic side. Jamaicans love to attend plays in numbers to watch what some might call crude humor. Many roots play edgy and poke fun at various figures and social dilemmas in Jamaican society.

Roots plays features some of the most colorful characters, where else can you find a preacher who is a conman, landlord and a murderer in one who recites quotes from dancehall acts such as Bounty Killa instead of the bible. A few well known plays include Una Mi Noise”, “Backslider”, Brotha Desmond” “Di Driva” and of course arguably the most popular Jamaican roots play “Bashment Granny” Featuring the famous Shebada.

Not all plays are coarse, Ras Noah & The Hawk – Oliver Samuels and Class of ’73 are among the favorite Jamaican plays families can enjoy.

Jamaica is plagued with all sorts of problems, social, class and political conflicts are parts of daily living for Jamaicans. In some cases these conflicts results in social instability and even death. Entertainers such as Professor Nuts and the witty duo Twins of Twins take on theses issues and turn them upside down-literally in the most comical way. This duo makes fun of everyone and everything from the late MJ to the constant feud between Beenie Man and Bounty Killa. The very popular “Trial and Crosses”, “Crucifiction of the Ghetto” are favorites among Jamaicans.

Apart from the commercial aspect of humor in Jamaica. Jamaicans love to share stories and laugh even in the harshest times.

• 4.  Sports-A source of pride and joy

Nothing brings out the patriotic frenzy of black green and gold in Jamaicans like football and athletics. When their sports men and women shine on the world stage Jamaicans put all the imaginary differences aside and celebrate in pure good old national pride and joy, and if you see them during one of these grand occasion you would think these people have no trouble in the world.

It’s the summer of 2008, thousands of proud Jamaicans fill the streets of Half-Way-Tree decked out in the black green and gold to watch on jumbo screens our athletes shake the Olympic world with breathtaking  records in our very own unique style marred in a little controversy and a few dancehall moves at the Beijing Olympics.

Jamaica became the first English speaking country in the Caribbean to qualify for the World cup in France in 1998. The then Prime Minister declared a national holiday on the spot to celebrate the momentous occasion. Jamaicans from all walks of life in express their pride and joy.

Where else in the world would a country in the middle of the tropics even think about competing in 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, and are looking forward to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Reggae Boyz qualifying for the world cup in France in 1998, the record breaking performances at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, all these are historic milestone achievements for Jamaicans.

It would appear they do something great in 10 year intervals. Jamaicans are the 3^rd happiest people in the world because of the joy brought to them by their top class sprinters, footballers, bobsledders and cricketers.

A few of the well known Jamaican sports stars who bring joy to the nation include Chris Gayle, Donovan Bailey, Donald Quarrie, Omar Cummings, Chili Davis, Ricardo Fuller, Ricardo Gardner,   George Headley , Asafa Powell, Dane Richards ,Donovan Ricketts, Mike McCallum, Courtney Walsh, Devon White, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Usain Bolt, Natasha Askale, Ricketts, Melanie Walker and Shelly-Ann Frazer.

Never mind the trillion dollar debt burden or the miniature growth of the national economy when their sports men and women are representing their country it is a source of the highest national pride and mammoth happiness. Jamaicans love sports and it is customary for the entire nation to forget about all their problems and let themselves be captivated into a world great joy as one of their own show the world what the little island is made of. Because for such a small country Jamaicans have made a big impression on world and for that Jamaicans are very happy.

• 5.  Music and dancing—Poor in dollars but rich in spirit

Jamaicans are musical people, for a people who love to make music, play music, dance and talk about music Jamaicans are the 3^rd happiest people in the world.

If Jamaicans are not world renowned for anything else they are for their music. Jamaicans have experimented with many types music for decades with such genres as mento, ska, rocksteady, dub music, dancehall and reggae. Jamaicans are not just fans of their own music. They also have tastes for music from North America such as hip-hop, R&B and jazz.

Jamaica’s most iconic figure in music is Bob Marley whose very own song narrates about the struggles Jamaicans still face today and also a great source of inspiration not just for Jamaica but the world. Jamaicans love to put these trials and struggles into music, it’s national therapy.

Other notable international musicians who bring joy to the hearts of Jamaicans include Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Shaggy, Shabba Ranks , Maxi Preist and Sean Paul.

Today Dancehall is the most popular genre of music for Jamaicans. Dancehall music is many things to Jamaicans. It’s social commentary, biographical of both personal and national stories, controversial in the topics it talks about or feuds it fuel, a every expressive music in the native tongue of the true feelings of a country.

Dancehall allows Jamaicans to express themselves, to dance, drink, socialize, show off fashion, DJing and even debating feuds real or fake. Every year dancehall produces hoards of new dance moves which is very popular along with creative rhythms for the delight of fans.

There is always some big party happening in Jamaica, whether it be a big yearly five day festival such as Reggae Sumfest, a one night big show such as Sting or a weekly party such as Dutty Fridaze and Passa Passa, it would seem they are always celebrating something or the other these Jamaicans.

Small sound systems often play music into the wee hours of the morning to the delight of SOME Jamaicans. They travel the island to play at different venues and some times have clashes with other sounds “chune fi chune”. Jamaicans often get excited about a good old fight whether it be one selector crushing the other with a dub plate (record) or when leading DJs get into lyrical sometimes physical wars with each other. Dancers are also known to square off with creative moves in competitive spirit, these things resonates strong discussion among some Jamaicans.

Every year thousands of Jamaicans gather in the streets of Kingston decked out in costumes dancing and gyrating on each other to booming speaker boxes on trailer trucks to calypso music. So what if they have to dodge ten thousand potholes and crime is alarming. They have music and that is why Jamaicans are the 3^rd happiest people in the world.

“The systems might no proper, but we love the vibes the food and the culture “—-Tony Rebel-Sweet Jamaica