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Books,Drugs and

Business

More Students are engaging in smoking in our Universities

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

By: Shereita Grizzle

Campus Buzz Reporter

THE UNIVERSITY of Technology(UTECH) and the University ofthe West Indies, Mona (UWI) are

home to the nation’s most promising youthbut a blanket of ‘smoke’ (literally) hides athriving secret business that has thousands

of students as its main base.Cigarette and marijuana (ganja) butts,

Rizzla wrappers and empty lighter shells areevidence that smoking on these campuses is

becoming more widespread than many wouldlike to believe.

Not only does smoking have possibleimplications for the health of students but it alsopromotes the growth of an illegal businesswithin the confines of the academia, a businessthat is heavily protected by those whom itserves to benefit the most.

Since the drug has not been legalised, manyrisk facing criminal charges for engaging in thetrade of and possession of the drug. The penaltyfor the possession of the substance varies

according to the amount. If you are caughtwith a ‘spliff’ then you are brought to courtand are fined $100 or See DRUGS on P2

Tameika Malone


CLUTCHING her skirt tightly to

her legs and shaking uncontrol-

lably, little Ashanti taps her

mother on the leg and without skipping a

beat her mother points out a location a

few steps from where she sells vegetable

at the Papine market in St Andrew.

The child, standing no taller than

three feet and appearing to be about four-

years-old, relieves herself in public view

and returns to her mother without washing

her hands.

As it turned out, this behaviour

among vendors plying their ware at Mona

Commons, just across from the University

Hospital of the West Indies has become an

accepted practice.

For those street vendors plying their

trade; selling fruits, accessories, clothing,

toiletries and food, the sidewalks along

Golding Avenue have become their bath-

rooms.

“We try but it hard. Di street dem set up fi

we so no bathroom dey bout here. You cyan

leave yu stall unattended fi search fi bath-

room so yu use wha yu ‘ave,” one street ven-

dor who wished only to be identified as

Monique said.

In many areas, it reeks of rotting garbage

and a pungent smell of urine. However,

this is the way of life for the many business

Papine Market A Cause For Concern

CAMPUS BUZZ

NEWS

November 2012

10 days imprisonment. Larger quantities resultin greater fines and longer jail time.

Possible criminal charges however, do notseem to act as a deterrent to persons involvedwith the trade usually because the fine is aminute portion of the profits they make fromselling.

This is no different with the ‘underground’business that exists on the campuses of both theUWI and UTECH. Persons from neighbouringcommunities and students alike participate inthe illegal business daily. Dealers areconvinced that they are merely offering aservice as ganja is in high demand on thecampuses whilst students areadamant thatbuying and smoking ‘ganja’ isn’t a ‘big deal’.

*John Reid a dealer at UTECH, says he hasbeen selling ‘ganja’ on the campus for morethan 5 years, stating that the business is hislivelihood and he is merely giving students

what they want. “Selling weed is just like if midid a sell bag juice, is supply and demand,students demand it an mi supply it,” he said. Healso highlighted that business on campus isquite lucrative, claiming that he makes between$5000 and $8000 each day. He is aware,however, that there are a number of otherpersons, including, students who sell ‘ganja’ onthe grounds of the universities. “Students sell ittoo, cause yuh have sum weh buy di $1000 bagfrom mi an sell it back,” he said.

The business is protected not only by thoseselling ‘ganja’ but also by those buying it. Onecannot just walk on to the campus and expect topurchase the substance with ease. It is not thatsimple. Dealers and students at these campuses areaware that if the law catches up with them theywill be in serious trouble, hence, they will only sellit to those with whom they are familiar so as toensure they are not showing themselves up to an‘informer’. “We have to be discreet about it, we

Books, Drugs cont’d

NEWS

CAMPUS BUZZ November 2012

cant act as if dis ting legal an get ketch,” KevinDurant a student of the UWI said. He alsoreiterated that buying the substance is dependenton how well-known a student is to the dealerbecause they (the dealers) have to know personsintentions and the only way of knowing that isbuilding a relationship between students andthemselves.

Students smoke for many reasons, but theprimary reasongiven is stress. Sales tend to increase in what isdescribed as ‘peak periods’. “The demand forweed is higher from midterms to finals (mid-semester and final examinations) because that isthe time when students are most stressed out,”said one female student of the UWI who did notwant to be identified.

Chris Smith a first year student at UTECH,told the newspaper that smoking has no effecton him. At 19-years-old he has been smokingsince he was in high school. He says he smokesat least four ‘spliffs’ per day and says hislecturers have no idea because he never gets‘high’, neither does he have the scent ofmarijuana on him when he shows up for class.“If I get a 2 hour break between classes, Ismoke the first hour and by the second hour thescent is gone.”

He said the reason the business hascontinued without the authorities finding out,is not only because it is protected by dealersand buyers, but partly because those who aresupposed to be reducing illegal activity arealso engaging in it. “ Security guards knowbut dem nah do nothing bout it cause dem buyit too,” he said. “But di police dem ago holdon pan yuh, dem different from campussecurity.” He recalls how the police recentlyreprimanded three students for smoking ganjaon the campus. The ‘spliff’ was taken fromthem and they were given a warning.

There are students however, who dislike

what is happening. Portia Gray, a femalestudent at the UTECH said she was “sick andtired of them” (smokers). Gray said that theproblem is growing because vehicles are notbeing searched when they are entering thecampus, therefore, students transport thesubstance on to the campus with ease.

Experts have found that second-hand smokeis almost as dangerous as direct smoking.According to CNN Health, secondhand smokecauses lung cancer, heart and lung disease innon-smokers. They also found long-termexposure increases risk of lung cancer by 10%to 15% and heart disease by 30%. Non-smokerson these campuses have expressed their disgustat the unhealthy habit of their colleagues. Theyfeel smokers have no regard for them or theirright to inhale ‘smoke-free’ air. Gray says shewould appreciate if smokers showed moreappreciation for non-smokers because thepractice also affects them and their health in avery serious way.

[email protected]

Marijuana has not been legalized in Jamaica

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Books, Drugs cont’d

Delinquents must

pay

CAMPUS BUZZ

EDitorial

November 2012

Shakera Sharpe


THE STUDENTS’ Loan Bureau isJamaica's premier student loanfinancing organisation that pro-

vides loan opportunities for Jamaicanstudents who are unable to access terti-ary education due to financial con-straints.Approximately 6,000 studentsapply for loans annually, and on average88% of these are successful in accessingan SLB loan.

The Bureau is able to lend because of itsrevolving loan scheme meaning that the ven-ture is funded through the students' repay-ment of loans at the end of their loantenure.This ensures that succeeding genera-tions of students benefit from the fund.Consequently, repayment of all loans is vitalto the viability of the scheme.

Regrettably, for the year 2012, the bureauhas a record 30 per cent delinquencyrate;this means that one third of the totalnumber of borrowers have money outstand-ing to the bureau. As a result,the SLB hashad to borrow from the Petro Caribe Fund inorder to honour its commitments for the aca-demic year 2012/2013.Even worst is the factthat the number of borrowers have signifi-cantly increased this academic year due tothe current economic state in the country.

Delinquent borrowers need to under-

stand that they are jeopardising the

chances of many youngsters whose only

hope of attaining tertiary education is

through the SLB. It is quite understandable

that some clients are having genuine diffi-

culties in repaying however, those who can

pay must pay. It is interesting to note that the bureau has

made loan’s officers available where clientscan go to the office and make arrangementsin the form of payment plans.

Also,because of the recent increase in

the delinquency rate, the SLB has granted

an amnesty where borrowers in arrears are

given the option of closing out their

accounts without the penalty of mounting

interests. The lending agency also makes

attempts at keeping contact with borrowers

to remind them of deadlines and to encour-

age them to take advantage of the repay-

ment measures implemented . However,

not many persons take this very seriously

so the problem of delinquency persists.

In addition to that, the Students’ Loan

Bureau has started the practise of publish-

ing the names and photographs of clients

who have fees outstanding to them. This

they resort to after the measures discussed

above have failed. However, this initiative

needs to be revamped because clearly it is

not working. When the names of persons

are published, many are not aware of it

and when they do find out, it really does

not move them to any form of action. If it

EDitorial


Delinquents cont’d

did, then the delinquency rate would not

have been so extreme. Yes, some per-

sons find it embarrassing but that is not

enough to change their behaviour.

Furthermore, the public might not even

recognise these persons since they can

change their appearance and without the

knowledge of the bureau. Thus, the pur-

pose of carrying out such an action would

have failed drastically.

It is not that the SLB does not have suf-

ficient measures installed but the problem

is that these are not enforced. Each SLB

client signs a repayment contract stating

his/her agreement to repay at the end of

their tenure. This paper suggests that the

bureau seriously consider bringing law-

suits against such persons; in this way,

they will be more inclined to honour their

agreement. It is really unacceptable that a

third of the total number of clients have

money outstanding to the bureau.

Moreover, every SLB client is aware of

the fact that the agency operates under a

revolving loan fund; if the loans are not

repaid then the bureau will become bank-

rupt. Clearly, the unselfish thing to do

would be to repay the loan and leave the

door of opportunity open for other clients.

In addition to that, to fight against the

culture of ‘dodging’ where the delin-

quents migrate to other countries, knowing

that they have not repaid their loan; those

clients owing should be prevented from

leaving the country.

In fact, this paper is in full agreement

with Minister of Education Ronald

Thwaites’s who recently suggested that

there should be measures in place at each

airport in the island to bar delinquent

borrowers from migrating until they have

repaid their loan. Some persons seem to

find it amusing to just leave the country at

the slightest chance so they can opt out of

repaying. This should not be allowed; the

SLB needs to become more radical in deal-

ing with persons who just refuse to hon-

our their commitments.

Moreover, the Campus Buzz strongly

supports the Director of the Student’s Loan

Bureau, Monica Brown who suggested

that the law makes a provision that

gives the bureau the right to mandatory

deduction of funds from clients’ salaries

who have a stable job and still refuse to

pay. We fervently endorse this initiative

since it would definitely alleviate the

problem of delinquent borrowers.

The reality is that many students have

taken advantage of the system and are

enjoying the privilege of a good job, yet

refusing to honour their commitment to

the SLB. This is clearly a very selfish thing

to do. Unless the bureau implements

more serious measures to curb this problem

and the delinquents change their attitude

and make a concerted effort to repay;

then the chances of many young Jamaicans

accessing tertiary education are rather

slim.

Cont’d


persons and the consensus among them is

that they won’t be moving anytime soon.

The heavily congested streets are filled

with vendors selling from established

businesses, the back of vehicles, old

shacks, tables and movable stalls, many of

whom said they have been squatting for

more than 10 and 20 years.

The risks of contracting and spreading

food-borne illnesses are very high as

outbreak have occurred in areas where

persons sell food from filthy places,

infested with rodents and roaches. Rodents

present a food safety concern because they

can harbour bacteria and viruses in their

urine and faeces that can cause disease in

humans.

“This is how we make a living,

some of us have education, but jobs are

hard to come by and before you know it

five, 10 years have passed and you are still

a street vendor. Nobody goes to school

aspiring to be a street vendor but when

they have children to feed and yourself to

maintain, there are

some hard choices to

make,” vendor Peta-

Gaye Campbell said.

The mother of

two said she completed

college and had a steady

job, but when hard eco-

nomic times struck, she

was placed on the

breadline and the busi-

ness subsequently

closed.

“Never did I imagine raising my

children in these conditions. The place

stinks and even though you clean up the

area you occupy, the overall look of the

place overshadows the effort. You learn to

conform quickly if you intend to survive

here because most of us (vendors) sell the

same thing …it very competitive,”

Campbell added.

The conditions at the market have

been a cause for public concern before. In

August 2010, the Ministry of Health in

collaboration with the Kingston and St

Andrew Health Department had to be

called in to help rid Mona Commons of

lead poisoning, which had contaminated a

section of the community.

Lead is a cumulative toxic pollutant

linked to heavy metal and is said to be

caused by increased levels of pollution.

High levels of toxic metals deposited in

body tissues and subsequently in the brain

that can cause significant developmental dis-

abilities, brain damage and mental retardation

in children.

Papine Market

Produce at the Papine Market are laid on the ground on tarpaulin and displayed

close to sidewalks and drains for sale. (Inset) A section of vegetables on sale at the

market located in St Andrew.

Photos by Tameika Malone

NEWS

NEWS


An estimated 800 people were said to have

been at risk at that time.

However, commuters like Kevon Robinson

said he has been buying produce, meat and

clothing from the market and has no

concerns about the safety of what he con-

sumes because he “washes everything with

water”.

While the hospital said it is concerned about

the sanitation of the area, the Chief Executive

Officer of the health facility was overheard

telling his secretary he was too busy to be

interviewed when Campus Buzz visited the

hospital.

One senior staff who requested

anonymity, because of fear of losing his job,

said the poor sanitation and smell emanating

from the area is a source of embarrassment

for the hospital as the vendors are squatting

on lands belonging to the hospital.

“The lands were leased to the hospital on a

999 year lease and when the construction was

taking place in the 1950s the labourers came

from all over Jamaica but rather than going

home, they settled close by because it was

more economical for them. The settlement

started way in the back down by Elletson

Flats (a nearby community) and the then

administration was not vigilant and didn’t

keep an eye on the situation,” the source said.

According to the source, the solution would

be to move the settlers but it is not so simple.

“Everything is politics. The decision to

move them would mean moving a block of

voters and that can be detrimental to one of

the political parties,” he said.

“Where do you put them? This is the ideal

location for them, if you move them and put

them elsewhere then the problem just

moves,” he added.

The unnamed source said it is a major

concern for the hospital, however nothing

has been done and the health authority is

being called on to address the matter

before there is a rash of sickness in the

community.

Papine Market Cont’d

This congested street in Papine Market is where many purchase vegetables, clothing,

toiletries and other food items. However, sources at the University Hospital of the

West Indies say there are serious food concerns for those buying from the vendors

squatting on hospital lands. Photo by Tameika Malone

TOWN DISSATISFIED

CAMPUS BUZZ

NEWS

November 2012

Kryss-Ann Richards


THE GREATER August Towncommunity has, over the years,had its fare share of political and

criminal involvement, lack of educa-tional opportunities and employ-ment for youth and adults. For this rea-son the University of the West Indies(UWI) Township Project was developedto promote a better relationshipbetween the University and membersof the community.

Since 2008 the Greater August Townarea has been the sole beneficiary of theactivities put on by the UWI TownshipProject in the areas of education, health,

skills training, sports and culture andcrime prevention.

However, some residents are stilldissatisfied with the level of involvementby the University.

“We need to have more involvementwith the Guild and the community interms of sport, entertainment and educa-tion,” said Kenneth Wilson, founder andpresident of the Sports and CommunityDevelopment Foundation in August Town.“We are next door to a university,so the community and student bodyshould have a better relationship.”

Wilson, 52, who has been living in the

- residents feel enough is not being done in the community

A student holds up a piece placard at the UWI Township Hope Valley Experimental Primary Peace

Prayer Day earlier this year. PHOTO TAKEN FROM FACEBOOK

Papine Market

NEWS


community all his life suggested thatfootball, netball and domino tournamentsbe held between August Town residentsand students of the UWI, and that thesecompetitions be kept on the grounds ofthe University since these facilities do notexist in the August Town community.

He believes too that disc jockeys withinthe community should be allowed toentertain at the UWI's weekly IntegrationThursdays party.

“There are a number of sound systems(in August Town). We should be able tohave one of our sound systems play oreven have it (Integration Thursdays) inAugust Town,” he suggested. “It will goa long way in enhancing the communityand UWI will also benefit.”

Wilson, who is also the Liaison Officerfor the UWI Township Project andChairman for the August TownTransformation Programme, furtherrevealed that unemployment was thenumber one problem in the community.

Adding to this point was Jackie Lemord,65, of the August Town community whosaid that, “although they say Universityshould employ three-quarter of the people(from August Town), you still doe see it.They still help...'cause Mr. (Gordon)Shirley (principal of the UWI whospearheads the UWI Township Project)really help dem 'n' bring dem in...but boidi unemployment, mi nuh see it a push'cause you have whole eep a iglaz sameway.”

The UWI Township Project hasemployed a number of persons in itsmaintenance department, as securitypersonnel and workers on constructionsites on the UWI campus. However,according to Olivene Burke, director ofthe UWI Township Project, much of thishas been revisited because acts of crimeand violence from the Greater AugustTown community have spilled over onto

the campus, some of which are committedby construction workers who haveallegedly robbed some students andlecturers.

Burke nevertheless, reported that theskills training programme has benefittedsome members of the community.

“Residents are reallyimpressed...because it has made themmore marketable and gave them employ-ment. And for those who are notemployed, they are certified,” she said.“Many of them are having certificationfor the first time in their lives,” sheadded.

She also noted that plans are in place togenerate more involvement in the com-munity but revealed that upsurges in vio-lence remain an impediment to imple-mentation along with improper funding.

“Development is not a one shot, onestop process but with development comesfunding and we have been curtailed by alack of funding,” she said.

[email protected]

TOWN DISSATISFIED

Olivene Burke, director of the UWI Township

Project.

Cont’d

Tashna-Toya Edwards


PROACTIVE. SOLUTION-based. Building Relationships.All terms used to describe a

strategy in policing that the JamaicaConstabulary Force has sought toimplement in communitiesthroughout the island, in its efforts toreduce criminal activities. This strate-gy - Community Based Policing - hasbeen successfully implemented in theEastern St. Andrew community ofAugust Town, which for several yearshad to be under intense police scrutinydue to the prevalence of violent upris-ings among factions in the area.

Constable Ricardo McCalcin, one of thelawmen who has been trained in the fieldof community based policing, clearlyoutlines the value of this strategy in theAugust Town area. He outlined that com-munity based policing in the AugustTown community, has taken on a multi-agency approach in order to bridge thegap between residents and law enforcersin the area. ‘We have worked with youthclubs in the area such as the GoldsmithVilla Youth Club and the UWI Townshipprogramme to have workshops aboutthings like conflict resolution,’ McCalcin said.

However, he noted that there are stillchallenges faced in establishing theprogramme fully with residents due tothe perception of residents who partici-pate as being ‘informers’.McCalcinpointed out that, ‘We have to come up

with creative ways to get the messageout, like putting out big speakers whenwe have meetings so people can hearwhat is being said, even if they don’tcome.’

Nonetheless, some residents like JoanBennett, who has been living in theGoldsmith Area in the August Towncommunity for over nine years is pleasedwith the programme, as she pointed outthat ‘this is the real way for police todeal with people; mi like when they comein and play game and talk with the youthand encourage them.’

Constable McCalcin who has beenactive in the establishment of the pro-gramme believes that although the pro-gramme has accomplished much,there is still a far way to go. He notedthat one of the major challenges faced by

Revolutionary Policing in

August Town

CAMPUS BUZZ

NEWS

Page 1 0 November 2012

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cont’d

NEWS


Revolutionary cont’dlaw enforcers in formeryears in the AugustTown area was that ofreprisal killings. ‘Thereused to be a lot of warsbetween communitieslike Hermitage andGoldsmith Villa wheregangs would have theirhit list and try to takedown as many peoplefrom the other group aspossible,’ he said.Through commu-nity based policinginnitiatives such asfriendly rivalries ingames such as football,the war has ended withthe guns and former‘Dons’ have startedestablishing positiverelationships.

Inspector Steele, whois currently based at theAugust Town Policestation also pointed tothe increase in corpora-tion from residents inhelping to resolve con-flicts and providinginformation to thepolice where necessary. He indi-cated that with further research and studyinto the achievements gained throughthis type of policing, more persons willbecome convinced of its benefits andbecome more active in its execution.

Constable McCalcin said the achieve-ments of the community policing initia-tive in the August Town area, stand with-in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s NineStrategic Priorities in the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2012-2015,

McCalcin believes this form of policingis helpful in changing the negative per-ception of the Jamaica ConstabularyForce by the public.

Denvor, a twenty-year old resident inthe community, reiterated the stance ofConstable McClarin and Inspector Steelein describing the efforts of the Police inthis community based initiative as beingvisionary and ‘definitely the way forwardfor the country.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

[email protected]

Northside Jerky

CAMPUS BUZZ

FEatUrE

November 2012

Thatcher AsphallCampus Beat Reporter

THE SMOKE, along with the suc-culent aroma rising out of thethree jerk pans lined up along

the side walk is worth the purchase ofthe $400 meal. There is the option ofjerked chicken or jerked lamb, bothserved with a slice of bread and thechoice of ketchup or a homemadepepper sauce.

Hopeton Allen – otherwise called Don –is the owner of this jerked chicken andlamb business in the Liguanea area,across the road from the US embassy.

Forty-three years ago Allen embarkedon a journey from Hanover to Kingstonwith the sole purpose of finding employ-ment. He acted upon his Pan Chickenidea a few years after he realised thatbeing employed by a company was unful-filling.

He was not satisfied with 9 a.m. To 5p.m. routine and wanted a job that wasmore flexible and something he enjoyed.

After overcoming a number ofchallenges, Allen has established his ownJerk Chicken business and has made aname for himself as the ‘Pan ChickenMan’.

He and two friends – Nobert Escoferyand ‘Cry-Cry’ – decided to pool togeth-er their resources and appeal to the cul-ture and taste-buds of the Jamaicanpeople through the jerk pan.

“All a we would put our money togeth-er and go market and buy chicken, sea-soning and the pan and everything,” hesaid.

Although a partnership, these threemen sold at different areas throughoutKingston and St . Catherine – whichincluded Portmore, Molynes Road andRed Hil ls Road. Profi ts from each pan

however, were divided evenly amongthem and the expenditure for theupcoming week was subtracted.

Their jerk chicken business as a teameventually ceased as each of them hadthei r own creat ive ideas and spacewhere they desired to continue theirsmall business.

Allen now works with his son and son-in-law who help to serve customers. Healso employs others who help him withthe preliminary activities for the night’swork.

Hopeton Allen doing his regular jerk chicken and

lamb.

PHOTO: THATCHER ASPHALL

FEatUrE


They are there from Sunday to Sundayfrom 5 p.m. To 11 p.m.

Handling tough timesAllen recalled nights when he jerked

chicken beside the police station inWaterford, Portmore.

He still however had to deal withviolence within the community, as well asextortion from dons/ area leaders.

The same issue of extortion is evident inLiguanea where he sells, however, he isnot perturbed by the situation.

“Dem used to come harass we and themthings deh, but we just try to go ‘roundthat and give dem some chicken. We can’ttoo mek that trouble we cause we knowwe don’t trouble nobody” Allen said.

The weather is also another force thatAllen has had to deal with. He said thatalthough the weather is bad sometimes,he usually puts up a tarpaulin as hismeans of shelter because business mustgo on.

Customer ServiceDave, another Pan Chicken Man, who

has been working with Allen for overtwenty years said that for him, jerkingchicken is not just another job, it is what

he enjoys. Just like Allen, Dave is notfond of the constraints of an ‘office job’and likes the flexibility of his work.

When asked what keep the customerscoming for more?, Dave said, “theseasoning on the meat is just right and wedon’t just see these people as businesspeople, they are our customers”.

One customer, John Wilson, confirmedthat customer service from Allen wasexceptional. However, John is a part ofthe minority who is not impressed withthe taste of the jerked chicken.

“I only buy from here on rare occasionsand a few of the times the taste of thefood falls short. I would rather open a tinof sardine for dinner since it’s guaran-teed to taste the same way every time”said Wilson.

Percy, who is caretaker at the ChineseBenevolent Association on Old HopeRoad, and one of the loyal customers tothe ‘North-side Pan Chicken’ businesshad a different view. He expressed satis-faction with not only the quality of theservice but the food as well.

“I buy from Don all the while man, isyears I buying. The food is one hundredpercent nice and he is really a peopleperson” he said.

Allen has built that kind of relationshipwith some customers where even whentheir money is low, they are still able toenjoy a good meal. A few of the loyalcustomers, just like Percy said that Allenis a good business man as they are able to‘credit a food’ and pay for it the follow-ing day, or even at the end of the week.

Despite the few challenges, Allen loveswhat he does and is determined tocontinue to please his customers ‘onehundred percent’ and satisfy the appetiteof people both here and broad.

Northside Jerky

Cont’d

Jerk chicken and lamb.

PHOTO: THATCHER ASPHALL

[email protected]

Jamaica College

CAMPUS BUZZ

EDUCatioN

November 2012

By Katian Palmer


“ANYBODY WHO speaks neg-atively about the JamaicaCollege speaks out of igno-

rance and I will challenge anyone to comeand be a part of us for one day,” said RuelReid, Principal of Jamaica College (JC) andPast President of the Jamaica Teachers’Association.

Having taken over as Principal in September2006, Reid said that the 110 year old institutionwas in ruins before his tenure. “Teachers werenot attending classes, boys were not attendingclasses; there was no system for detention orsuspension, no established standard in dealingwith indiscipline,” he further explained.

However, as time progressed, students grewinto the new system of governance, which wasadapted by new students who entered theinstitution. Today, all of that has changed.

Speaking with 15-year-old Vanardo Gillespie,a third form student at the JC, about thediscipline and governance of the school, he hadthis to say. “Miss, the school was affected byvarious kinds of children who attended. Theywere poor, Miss, and came to school withproblems, Miss and that help to break down theschool, Miss.”

This fact, Ruel Reid agreed with. Whenpressed about what he found upon his arrival atJC, Reid told the paper that the schoolpopulation was dominated by students from lowincome families. He said that these boys werefrom single parents' homes where there was theabsence of a father figure. Their home

association, he said, was one of a friendlynature rather than a parent/son relationship,with the mother seen as the authority figure.Having come from such background, it washard for the boys to see a female teacher asauthority and this impacted negatively on theschool’s discipline.

Davon Brown, a former Mathermatics teacherof Jamaica College recounted the time he spentat the school. He felt like the boys had no inter-est in the subject after third form. He said theteachers at the time also contributed negativelyto the discipline of the institution as they had nopassion for the students and no passion for whatthey did. “I had to leave the institution. It hadcome to the point where any person with a pieceof paper could apply at Jamaica College andgets a teaching position, simply because nogood teacher wanted to be part of an institutionwhere there is an obvious lack of discipline.”

Principal Ruel Reid

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

- A B r e w i n g E x a m p l e o f D i s c i p l i n e

EDUCatioN


Jamaica College cont’d

Reid agreed, indicating he had to get rid ofsome of the teachers, as they seemed to havebeen motivated by the salary they werereceiving and did not demonstrate an interestin the image of the school. Teachers, he said,had a lackadaisical approach to their jobs –they wouldn’t go to classes, they would beinside teaching and the students were outside oron the streets, they would be late for class.

Andrew Pitkin, Dean of Discipline forJamaica College, spoke very confidentlyabout the discipline of the students.“Students now will form a line whentransitioning from one classroom to the next,which was quite the opposite on my arrival.”He observed also that the students not onlyrespect themselves but they display a high levelof respect for their teachers and friends alike. “Iam intent in maintaining discipline within theperimeters of the College and to develop menwho are ready for the world of work,” Pitkinsaid.

A similar response was received from Michael

Uter, first form student at Jamaica College. Heposits that Mr. Pitkin’s attitude towardsdiscipline is excellent. Uter told the EasternTimes that whilst Pitkin is not always around tosee to the good discipline of the students, hewill have ‘undercover agents’ in each class whoreports to him the students’ misbehavior.“Miss, he use the nerds in the school to find outwho is selling biscuits and other snacks and ifany one smokes or sells ganja or cigarette on thecompound. We don’t know who he asks, wecan only try and play fool to catch wise, miss,”Uter told the paper.

Parents like students are quite satisfied withthe discipline of the Janaica College, while Reidand his staff are committed to maintaining thehigh level of discipline that is now seen at theinstitution. Reid remains adamant that JC willcontinue to be one of Jamaica's model learninginstitutions.

[email protected]

Jamaica College

PHOTO: KATIAN PALMER

Kemar, 22-Hope Pastures

There is a lot to be done in the con-

stituency. Something should be

done about the mosquito

situation. We also have a lot of

loitering so they need to provide

jobs.

Karesha, 30-August Town

Squaters who live among the

graveyards and riverbeds in

August Town, the MP need to

address this. They need to

address the housing situation.

Marvin, 26-Papine

We need better roads. The MP

need to work closer with the

Police to get rid of crime. And

fix up the market too and build

a bus park. Dat mi a expect.

Judith, 32-Beverly Hills

There should be better

infrastructure in the

constituency he represents.

We need ACTIVE

community centres to

enable learning for the

youth.

Phillip, 17-Papine

We need to get rid of the

ganja selling. The MP

need to work closer with

the Police fi rid the streets

of ganja.

Kay, 26-Hermitage

More face-to-face meeting

with the residents. He

needs to make his

presence felt in the

community.

VOX

POPPOP

What are your

expectations of the

Member of

Parliament for

Eastern St. Andrew,

Andre Hylton?



THE JAMAICAE m e r g e n c yE m p l o y m e n t

Programme (JEEP) hasprovided jobs for justover 200 residents ofEastern St. Andrew sinceit was launched severalmonths ago.

Andre Hylton, Memberof Parliament for EasternSt. Andrew, takes pride inthe fact that theprogramme was launchedin his constituency onBarbican Road earlier thisyear.

He pointed out that thetwo components of theJEEP, which are to createemployment opportunityand to execute work aimedat developing the commu-nity have already been inaction within his division.

The JEEP was one of the December 2011election promises touted by the then oppositionPeople's National Party (PNP) as a saviour to thepercentage of Jamaicans who were unemployed.

The programme targeted some 1,130 jobopportunities to cost an estimated JMD$78million for this fiscal year, providing jobopportunities under the Ministry ofAgriculture and Fisheries and the Ministryof Education.

Several residents can testify to programme'susefulness, as they have been employed inseveral positions under the JEEP.

One such resident is Sher Clarke of MonaCommons, who told Eastern Times that althoughshe was only employed for two months, thebenefit was long term as she used the money sheearned to start a small business in hercommunity.

“I find the programme good. I was home notworking when I heard about it. First I was sayingit was too short but it’s up to me to turn over the

JEEP Active In

Eastern

St. Andrew

PolitiCS

Olivea Hayles


Residents working on the Beverley Hills main road.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

JEEP cont’d

CAMPUS BUZZ

PolitiCS

November 2012

money, so I starteda shop at my gate,”she said.

Another employ-ee under the JEEP,Loreen Powell,also agreed that thebest way to benefitfrom theprogramme is toinvest the moneyinto a business, asshe has done. “Itkinda helpfulbecause I washome not doinganything but ithelped me restockmy little business. Iwas employed for amonth working onthe road, pushingbarrow, rake, sweep,” she explained.

Some residents like Ida Flynn, a flag womanfrom Hermitage, are lucky to be drafted foranother job. “After this ends I will be startinganother job under the JEEP,” she stated, explain-ing that her current job will only last for threeweeks.

According to some of the workers, the salarycan start at $2,000 per day, and average around$10,000 per week, that is, five working days.

However, contrary to what these beneficiarieshave stated, Hylton explained that, "the wagespaid for these jobs vary because JEEP is not a$2,000 a day project. It encompasses a variety ofprojects which require a variety of skills, whichtranslates into different earnings."

While the JEEP and its significance is beingquestioned by many, Powell expressed that theprogramme is beneficial as is. “Although it is notlong term, there are other people to benefit fromit,” she said.

Her theory is that people benefit in batches. Inthis way everybody can get to ‘eat a food’.

According to Hylton, work done in the con-

stituency under the JEEP include the repair of theStand Pipe gully, the repairing of roads inBeverly Hills, Mona Commons and UniversityCrescent, repairing of sidewalks andbeautification in Bryce Hill and the building of agarbage house at the New Providence PrimarySchool.

These projects have created jobs such asclerical work, machine operators, roadsweepers, flag men and women, painters andwork in the agriculture sector for the residentsof Eastern St. Andrew.

People employed under the JEEP areselected based on recommendations byprincipals, Members of Parliaments, pastors,or they must be living in the community and bebetween the ages of 15 and 35 years old.

Hylton explained that it all depends on thearea, “people are employed from areas wherethere is a high level of unemployment.However, JEEP is no different from a regularcontract to get people to work, so the skill levelwill depend on the work to be done.”

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and Transport and Works Minister Omar

Davies at the launch of JEEP on Barbican Road earlier this year.

PHOTO:CONTRIBUTED

[email protected]

Arts and Leisure


Ever walked past the oriental lookingbuilding located beside CARIMACAnnex II (formally the Faculty of Law)and wondered “hey, what can I dothere?”

Well the Confucius Inst i tute ofJamaica, located on the Mona Campusof the University of the West Indies(UWI), could not have been better situ-ated. The Institute,which was opened in2010 can be considered the hub of Asianculture on campus, but what does theConfucius Inst i tutehave to offer to otherstudents?

In July of this year theInstitute was accreditedfor the adminis trat ionof Hanyu ShuipingKaoshi (HSK) examina-t ions, the ChineseLanguage ProficiencyTest

This means that a stu-dent who wishes totransfer s tudies toChina is able to attainlanguage cer t i f icat ionhere in Jamaica.

The Institute offersChinese to Englishtranslation and interpre-tation services as well ascultural familiarisation

lessons in preparation for an extensivestay in China.

In addition to that, both students aswell as members of the wider communi-ty are able to access courses in ChineseMandarin-the official language of thePeoples Republic of China.

The course is offered at theIntroductory, intermediate and advancedlevels of the language and covers speak-ing, l is tening, reading and writ ingskills.

The Chinese Grand Lantern Festival will be in february,

which is also the anniversary month of the Institute.

Photo: Contributed

The Confuscious Institute of Jamaica


Reader’s Digest

Patrick E. Btyan penned “Edward Seaga

and the Challenges of Modern Day

Jamaica”

The University Bookshop is a haven for any avid reader. This issue of Campus Buzz

display some of the works written by or about political characters in Caribbean history.

Dreams from My Father is written by Barack

Obama, the first black president of the United

States of America

Michael Manley’s “A Voice at the Workplace”

talks about the former Prime Minister’s experi-

ences withthe working class in Jamaica

POETRY CORNER

Absence By Claude McKay

Your words dropped into my heartlike pebbles into a pool,

Rippling around my breast andleaving it melting cool.

Your kisses fell sharp on my fleshlike dawn-dews from the limb,

Of a fruit-filled lemon tree whenthe day is young and dim.

But a silence vasty-deep, oh deeperthan all these ties

Now, through the menacing miles,brooding between us lies.

And more than the songs I sing, Iawait your written word,

To stir my fluent blood as neveryour presence stirred.

Monique Spence


THROUGH HIS music, Keron

Salmon, better known by the stage

name Kabaka Pyramid, hopes to

“evoke something in someone” so they may

“change themselves for the better.”

The young artiste, who grew up on

University Crescent in Papine, Kingston,

expressed that while not being able to pin-

point one specific event or person that led

him to pursue a career in music, he had

many musical influences. One such sig-

nificant influence was the music of Sizzla

Kalonji which he said directly led him to the

spiritual belief of Rastafari, despite attend-

ing church at Mona Heights Chapel as a

youngster. All Kabaka wants is to have a

similar impact on his audience and “to get

people to think”.

Matthew McCarthy, a final year Visual Arts

student at the Edna Manley College,

expressed great enthusiasm in Kabaka as he

used the word “amazing” to describe the

artist’s music. He states that unlike most reg-

gae and dancehall artists, Kabaka has not

abandoned the home grown style of reggae

and dancehall but has managed to fuse them

Into the Music of

Kabaka Pyramid

ENtErtaiNmENt


with the “complex development of rhyming

found in hip hop”.

Kabaka admits that although his style of

music may not seem unique, it is the presence

of his voice and the content and complexity of

his lyrics that sets his

music apart from the

rest. “The things I

would say, like talking

about ancient Egypt,

you don’t really find a

lot of people doing

that, especially in

Jamaican music,” says

Kabaka.

McCarthy appeared to

share the same view as

he stated how

fascinating the content

of Kabaka’s music is

as it incorporates

afro-centric notions

and uproots forgotten

concepts and ideas

ingrained in Egyptian

history.

Despite not having

any formal training in

music, the artist has

been involved in the

industry for ten years.

Being a founder of

Bebble Rock Music, a

local independent label formed in 2002,

Kabaka has become more renowned through

his mixtape releases such as “The Transition

Vol 1” and “The Transition Vol 2” and his

“Rebel Music” extended play (EP). He has

also done many live performances which

include a tour during April and May of this

year in countries like Germany, Austria,

France, The Netherlands and Switzerland.

Saeed Thomas, a final year student at the

University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona,

states that the artist’s music is good and he

views him as a very

conscious individual.

Unfortunately, he is

underrated, said

Thomas.

“It is easier to get

appreciated abroad than

locally,” Kabaka states.

He suggests that the

Jamaican music

industry should make

better efforts to evalu-

ate and select music

produced by independ-

ent artists since airplay

seems to be a main

struggle.

Many independent

artists do not have the

money to offer DJ’s to

play their music.

Neither is there

motivation for these

artists to hang around

and beg someone from

the radio stations to

play their music. “Dem

just fling yuh CD in a

pile,” says Kabaka. However, he acknowl-

edges that there have been some improve-

ments.

His advice to those who are aiming for a

career in Jamaican music is to stay focused

and “anything that you can’t get done for

you, do it for yourself”.

[email protected]

CAMPUS BUZZ

ENtErtaiNmENt

November 2012

Gets Rave Reviews

ENtErtaiNmENt


Tessa Thomas

Campus Beat Reporter

TRAVIS BIGNALL, like mostother avid BlackberryMessenger (BBM) users, grew

tired of the heavy influx of broadcastmessages about local parties andother events around town that keptshowing up on his mobile device. InMay last year, he played with thethought of having a space on BBMspecifically for event managementand promotion in Jamaica.

Now, almost one-and-a-half yearslater, the Chief Executive Officer

(CEO) of Apsession, Bignall, 23, saidhe and his team have created a“Blackberry application builtspecifically for use in Jamaica, allowingindividuals to search for parties, clubs,restaurants and other social eventsacross Jamaica by parish, price, andgenre.”

Launched in March of this year,Apsession has already made a name foritself, having over 3000 downloads andthe aim is to have as many as 50,000users by December 2012, said Bignall.Users are able to get the informationthey need at their fingertips withoutany complication or unnecessary frills.

New Jamaican App

CAMPUS BUZZ

ENtErtaiNmENt

November 2012

Only the relevant details arepresented, such as the event’s name,date, time, venue and address, entryprice and contact information andcustomers are able to search events inJamaica by parish, date, type andprice, and also purchase tickets for theevents.

The application has been gettingrave reviews on its facebook page andon AppWorld. “Great product, (I) likeseeing the Jamaican colours. Thiswould be a success without a doubt,”said Kymberly Barrett, speaking ofthe app’s logo and theme colours.“This app help(ed) me to find thebiggest events in Jamaica, thank youApsession,” stated Kadeen Myers, ina post on facebook. Anothersupporter, Lushaine Wellington said“My life was dull and boring because Ididn't know where I could go to partyand just have a good time, but since theofficial launch of Apsession, my sociallife is what you call “tun up.” Chuss meApsession can cross it. A Yah SuhNoice. Thank you Apsession.”

Although similar in some aspects toHot Foot in Trinidad and Tobago orTump! another event sourcing and

promotional Jamaican Blackberryapplication, Apsession has confined itsmarket to Jamaica and other features,such as shopping on ‘876 FashionWorld’, and music from variousfeatured artistes can be found on theapplication.

Bignall also stated that plans are onway to have the app available on iphoneand android technology by next month.

Travis Bignall, C.E.O. of Apsession

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

New Jamaican App

cont’d

[email protected]

Mona Cont’d

CAMPUS BUZZ

SPortS

November 2012

He also said the programme began late thisyear, but as of June next year, he will start thetraining camp in a bid to have the boys fullyprepared for the season. He further pointed outthat one of the major weaknesses of the team isgoalkeeping and defence. A total of 23 goalswere scored against the team in eight matches,which left at the bottom of the zone.

“I am going to employ a goalkeeping coachand maybe buy a few footballers,” said Francis.He however, declined to say where he will buythese players from.

According to the ‘fired up’ coach, he startedthe season with only 18 players turning up forcamp. Unlike other football teams that have anabundance of players to select a team from, hehad to build his team from those who turned up.One of the strategies he plans to implement is toget some of the players to play club football sothey can get more experience.

In spite of consecutive losses, Francis saidthat the morale of the team remains high.

“None of the guys on the team have anyexperience playing Manning Cup and next yearJamaica College will not beat us so easily evenwith the same team,” said Francis.

Shevoy Smith, a fifth-form student at the

school, said the boys were given a difficult zoneto compete in, but they did their best despite thelosses. She said the team struggled this year, butit was a vast improvement compared to lastyear.

“I am proud of my team,” said Smith. “Demreally a try,” she added.

She, however, points to a problem withindiscipline of some of the team memberswhich could be a factor affecting theirperformance.

“They are very indisciplined at times and dicoach haffi a shout at them fi get tings done,”she said.

Another coach at the school, who wished tobe unidentified, said that he does not expect theteam to get any better. He lamented the fact thatapart from indiscipline Mona High is really nota football school, but more inclined to netball,and as such most of the resources arechannelled in that direction. He, however, hadhigh praises for the new coach. “Him a gwaanwid a ting still and since him come mi see likkleimprovement,” he said.

Junior Francis

PHOTO By: SHAUNJAyE MITCHELL

Mona High Football team at a training session


[email protected]

MONA HIGH School will be seekingto create history in theDigicel/Pepsi sponsored Inter-

Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)Manning Cup football competition next year,after a disappointing performance this sea-son.

The team started its quest for success in GroupB, competing against teams like JamaicaCollege, Camperdown High School, St. JagoHigh and Waterford. Having lost almost all of itsmatches, the Mona High team ended its cam-paign with only one point after its final match inOctober.

The school's football programme had to berevisited, which saw Junior Francis taking thejob as coach for the Manning Cup team in

August of this year. Having accepted theposition on a three year contract, he fullyunderstood the task that he needed to carry out,the first of which was to boost the morale, ofwhat he called “a weak team”.

“The team is young and inexperienced and theywill need some work if they are to progress,” saidFrancis.

After coaching the team for two months herealised there were some issues that needed tobe addressed in order to have the boysperforming at a more acceptable level. He saidthat there was no programme structure andcoordination, such as a proper nutritionprogramme, gym facilities or weights room atthe school.

“I am trying to get a container that will beused as a gym and weights room for theplayers,” said Francis.

The University of the West Indies, Mona

thecampusbuzz.tumblr.com

SPORTS SECTION

Mona High School Football team


Mona Employs New Coach

Shaunjaye Mitchell


See MONA on P31

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