For the people of Haiti this is more than a cataclysm; it is more so tragedy by design. For those of us who recognize our connection with Haiti, and understand our own economic vulnerability, we see it for what it is. It is neo-colonialism at work. It is the continual disregard for the life of people of African descent.  It is the continued enslavement of peoples by economic means. It is the destabilization of a country and more specifically its economy so that others may be imposed their will on us.

 For many of the "aid donors" in Haiti this isn't a tragedy, for many of them this is an opportunity. Pennies of every dollar donated to Haiti actually benefit the people of Haiti. So where does the remainder go? Let us get it straight, this is not just a humanitarian effort that is taking place in Haiti, this is business. It is the “first world” countries, led by the United States, establishing political and economic structures that will aid their businesses and political interests for many years to come. We saw it in Iraq a couple years ago. Who got the contracts “to rebuild Iraq?” Certainly not the Iraqi or Asian companies. Those contracts were given to companies from the countries of the “collision of the willing.” This is the foundation for the new and improved neo-colonialism which is being built in Haiti. Thus, the apparent aid is in the eyes of the donors an investment.

You may ask, “Where are the watch dogs”? - “Who is responsible for oversight and to ensure that the people of Haiti are justly served?” Well, the Haitian tragedy is not new. It has been there since the first Europeans landed on Haiti and worsened with American and European imperialism. Who looked out for Haiti during those 200 years? Do not expect the politicians to help, they are more engaged in politics rather than governance.  Do not expect the media to shed light on the real issues. I am still waiting for CNN to investigate how the Bill Clinton’s administration undermined the agricultural economy in Haiti, and turned independent farmers into factory slaves.  The media has been relegated to the role of peddling tragedies, and the commercialization of information. What you know is what their corporate sponsors and parent companies want them to tell you. The rest, that is the truth, you have to dig and find for yourself and quite often the truth surfaces sometimes twenty (20) years later when they decide to open some secret file.

It will take “us” the people, those of us with a voice, those of us who are willing to speak up, and to speak out to do so. We have to form alliances with our brothers and sisters in Haiti. If ever there was a need for Caribbean unification it is now. Do not wait on CSME and do not wait on your politicians. We in the Caribbean basin have the resources to sustain ourselves. What has failed us and continues to fail us is the lack of leadership of any kind. With the unification of Caribbean peoples, not only can our vulnerability be minimized, our prosperity can be realized.

I was driving to work this morning when the news announcer said in the headlines that Professor Rex Nettleford is dead. Immediately the bumps on my skin were raised. I knew Professor Nettleford was in a coma in a hospital in Washington, but somehow I expected him to come through eventually.
I was very fortunate to be a student of Professor Nettleford. He taught me Caribbean Politics at UWI Mona Campus during the academic year 1994 to 1995. He was the best teacher/lecturer I have ever had, without a doubt! He never came to class with a book in his hand. It was as if the information just flowed from his brain like oil from a bottle-smooth. He was a master of his craft or crafts.
It’s funny that when I started this blog two days ago, I mentioned his name as one of the intellectual giants, not only of the Caribbean but in the world. He has lectured at universities around the world and has more Honorary Doctorate Degrees than I could count on both hands. He was also a cultural giant. Those who saw him danced spoke with amazement of his grace and poise.
 

The moon is absolutely beautiful these nights. Take a few minutes and enjoy it. As a child growing up in rural St Vincent and the Grenadines, moonlights were special time, not just because our house did not have electricity, but all the children in the community would congregate in one yard and play games, sing moonlight songs and dance and just have great fun. All of this has changed now with the advent of cable tv, ipod, video games and what do you know, the Internet.

I urge however, to pause, get a glass of something you like and sit, stand, lay on your back, whatever and enjoy the moonlight tonight.

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Gaza vs Gully. In part or whole, is that the crux of Jamaica's problem?

Is the music to be held accountable for the violent culture, and what appears to be the loss of the moral fibre in the society?

Most artists write about life experiences that many of us can relate to; whether it is gang related, violent, sexuality, love etc. Most of us feel so connected to the lyrics of these songs that we begin to associate many of our thoughts with these songs, these ranges from your wedding song to inspirational music from artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh or Mutabaruka. These artists and many more have changed our lives by using lyrics; so in answer to your question, Gaza and Gully are absolutely responsible for the lyrical content and the effect that it has had on our youth.
Please note that this did not start with Gaza and Gully and it certainly won’t, lets reminisce on the career of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur whose young life's ended because of the violence that sparked from their music.
These artists (Gaza & Gully) should be held accountable. But please understand that this is not the reason for Jamaica's "violent culture", it is however another piece of wood added to the already blazing fire.