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Education & Training Commission

The Present Situation in Education and Training

Despite tremendous progress and the heroic efforts of so many educators, Jamaica’s inherited education system unfortunately still perpetuates many of the class, colour and economic disparities and prejudices in our history.  While many educators have pushed forward and enabled the advancement of young people from challenged backgrounds, limited social mobility and the development of social capital continues to be a challenge. These are two key contributors to a socially cohesive and productive society.  

There are over 1,000 public educational institutions, some 530 independent schools and approximately 2000 early childhood centers in Jamaica. Public educational institutions include Infant, All Age, Primary, Primary and Junior High, Secondary High, Technical High and Tertiary are supported by an average annual spend of $85 billion (over the last 6 years) and structurally through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and its regional bodies or agencies such as the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), the Jamaican Teaching Council (JTC) and the fledgling National Education Trust (NET). The Early Childhood Commission provides support to the Early Childhood sector and is about to embark on leadership preparation for leaders within the critical early years similar to that provided for public educational institutions from Infant school up to Tertiary. Agencies such as the National Educational Inspectorate and the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (J-TEC) have an inspection and  a regulatory function respectively.

The 2015 NEI baseline report for the public primary and secondary schools reflected the following:

1. Leadership and management was rated as exceptionally high in one per cent (1%) of the schools inspected; good in eleven per cent (11%); satisfactory in forty-seven per cent (47%); unsatisfactory in thirty-eight per cent (38%); and needs immediate support in three per cent (3%).  

2. Teaching in support of students’ learning was rated as good in six per cent (6%) of the schools inspected; satisfactory in forty-nine per cent (49%); unsatisfactory in forty-four per cent (44%); and needs immediate support in one per cent (1%).  

3. Students’ attainment in English and mathematics was above the Ministry of Education’s targets, in only six per cent (6%) of the schools inspected; at the targets in sixteen per cent (16%) of them and below in seventy-eight per cent (78%).

4. Students’ progress was rated as exceptionally high in one per cent (1%) of the schools inspected; good in four per cent (4%); satisfactory in forty-two per cent (42%); unsatisfactory in fifty-one per cent (51%); and needs immediate support in two per cent (2%).

5. Students’ personal and social development was rated as exceptionally high in one per cent (1%) of the schools inspected; good in seventeen per cent (17%); satisfactory in sixty-six per cent (66%); unsatisfactory in fifteen per cent (15%); and needs immediate support in one per cent (1%).  

6. Human and material resources to provide support for students’ learning was rated as exceptionally high in one per cent (1%) of the schools inspected; good in eight per cent (8%); satisfactory in fifty-six per cent (56%); unsatisfactory in thirty-four per cent (34%); and needs immediate support in one per cent (1%).  

7. Curriculum and enhancement programmes were rated as exceptionally high in one per cent (1%) of the schools inspected; good in fifteen per cent (15%); satisfactory in forty-nine per cent (49%); unsatisfactory in thirty-four per cent (34%); and needs immediate support in one per cent (1%).  

8. Safety, security, health and well-being was rated as exceptionally high in one per cent (1%) of the schools inspected; good in sixteen per cent (16%); satisfactory in fifty-two per cent (52%); unsatisfactory in thirty per cent (30%); and needs immediate support in one per cent (1%).  

Whilst as a nation we have been successful in creating access up to the secondary level, According to the NEI report, the above findings indicate that 55% of our schools are ineffective in delivering a satisfactory education to Jamaica’s children.

As a result Jamaica’s labour force is one of the least productive in the Caribbean. Out of a total employed labour force of 1,146, 600 some 754.000 (66 %) have had no training and only 57,900 are receiving on the job training. This is untenable. Between 2010 and 2015 labour productivity declined by an average 0.3% per annum. We are now experiencing the phenomenon of unemployed university graduates even after some seventy-five per cent migrate to seek jobs abroad. At another level we now have some 467,000 young Jamaicans between the ages of 15 and 29 who are neither “working nor looking for work”. This is part of the social reservoir which feeds organized crime and our high homicide rate.

As we seek to create a Jamaica that works for all Jamaicans we must be deliberate about the outcomes of our education system and the attributes of the Jamaican Citizen that it should engender, ensuring that all of our schools are good schools.

Key Deliverables of the Education Commission

A comprehensive roadmap to reposition Jamaica’s education and training system, consistent with Vision 2030 but also articulating a vision and signposts up to 2050. To include: A philosophy of education for Jamaica’s education and training system that will undergird and scaffold educational policy, planning and provision A clear and comprehensive policy and formulae for financing education re-imagined Redefined metrics/scorecard for measuring the efficiency, performance, progress, or the quality of educational provision and outcomes

Recommendation of structures and approaches to promote equity and social justice for all. To include: Structures that will facilitate teacher collaboration around curriculum development and implementation Structures and processes that will ensure the inclusion at the outset of those engaged in Initial Teacher Education Development of curriculum grounded in a philosophy that will promote social justice, equity and the ownership of education as a right Recommendations for the repositioning of Teacher Education and development  – initial and in-service- to lead the renaissance of 21st century teaching and learning Recommendations to promote learning at all levels of the education and training system including: Readiness to Learn - Early Childhood development and education that will ensure the developmental targets for early childhood years are met and that our children are ready and appropriately prepared for the next milestones. Learning to Learn - During the primary years children should have foundational learning experiences that will provide them with opportunities to develop skills and competencies that prepare them to learn how to learn.  During the Secondary phase of education children should be given opportunities to build on the foundational skills acquired during the primary phase and expand/acquire new skills and competencies appropriate to the adolescent and young adult years. (Rendering them ready for tertiary education, training and the world of work.) Transfer of Learning – all our students should be prepared/ ready to transit into the world of work and/or tertiary level education Lifelong learning and Training – island wide equitable coverage and opportunities should be provided for all who wish to continue to learn.

Process for Engaging the Public

The Commission will be required to develop and deliver: A programme for the engagement of the wider public to allow for the buy in and national consensus, creating a ‘movement’ that recognizes the need for and causes “every school to be a good school” Recommendations for establishing ‘Communities of Care’ islandwide

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION

Elaine Foster-Allen, Chairperson – Education expert and former head of Shortwood Teacher’s College (confirmed) Patricia Sutherland – Chair of the Joan Duncan Foundation and Conversations for Greatness Convenor (confirmed) Dr. Christopher Clarke – Principal Shortwood Teachers’ College – expertise covers both EC and Teacher Education (confirmed) Joan Spencer-Ernandez – Leader in Special Education (confirmed) Petrona McLeod – trained in Primary education and practitioner in Special Education (confirmed) Gary Francis  - Education Economist, actuary who has worked on SLB and Ministry of Education finances �� (Confirmed) Heather Murray -  Educator and former Principal of Hampton School Ex-officio – Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Ronnie Thwaites, MP

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OUR NATION NOW IN THE GRIP OF AN UNPRECEDENTED CRIME TSUNAMI

The entire nation is in fear as one Jamaican is murdered every seven hours. 

The brutal murders of 1005 Jamaicans over the past eight months have plunged the nation into a crippling crisis. 1005 murders in these first 8 months of 2017 when that was the total for the year of 2014. These 1005 murders represent a 24 per cent jump over the same period last year. Despite this alarming increase, the government remains in a state of paralysis, offering no solution, even as the crisis worsens. 

The passage of the Zone of Special Operations Bill and promises of actions does not amount to much, as the powers already exist in other legislation and furthermore there has been no activation since its passage into law. The continuous meetings with no clear follow-through, promises of action and now a retreat offer Jamaicans very little hope when marauding gangsters have declared outright war on law-abiding citizens.

The daily drive-by shootings in several communities across the country have left families cowering in fear in their very homes.

Nobody is safe. Our women and children are being murdered at a record pace.

With school about to reopen, there is no guarantee that more of our children, in their home communities or even on their way to school can be safe.  

Over the past week, at least ten Jamaicans were been murdered in Clarendon alone. This includes two children in their home communities.

Between Thursday night and 6:00 am Friday morning, eight  (8) persons were shot, resulting in at least four deaths, including two children, a six year old and a thirteen year old school girl from Central High School.  The mother of the six year child is still fighting for life.  

Earlier this week, there was another drive-by shooting in the Maverly community, where four (4) women were shot and two died, resulting from gang warfare between Top Road and Back Road in the community.   On Mountain View Avenue, communities are raided and placed under siege by men with high-powered weapons in such a brazen manner, disrupting the normal flow of traffic and threatening a critical corridor to the eastern part of the country and the Norman Manley International Airport.

The unabated bloodletting cannot and should not continue.  

Families, especially those domicile in Clarendon, St. James, Westmoreland and sections of the Corporate Area are gripped by fear and many have expressed the need to relocate because they can no longer depend on the state to protect them.  

It wasn’t long ago that Prime Minister Holness promised to bring safety and security to the people that each and every one would be able to live and sleep peacefully in their homes.

Those assurances have been solemnly broken and the people are now living in fear. Crime and violence is not a political scorecard.

The People’s National Party remains firm in our commitment to support all anti-crime efforts.   Where is the crime plan? It is full-time the government tell the nation of its crime plan with measureable targets and timelines;

Solutions, We have 5 Main recommendations

1.    Multi-stakeholder group with Govt, Opposition and other critical stakeholders (Private Sector, Chambers, PMI, etc.) to be establish a national consensus around the fight against crime and violence and ensure proper planning and monitoring. This national oversight approach would also include: Establishment of a Standing Parliamentary Committee dedicated to Crime Reduction.

This will focus the country’s attention on solution to our crime problem; hopefully show that the anti-crime fighting efforts are non-partisan and direct the attention of all our leaders to a major obstacle to economic growth and development;

2.             With the National Security budget being cut, and then call for the funding of social intervention programmes in crime–torn communities; there should also be a call to strengthening the victim support mechanisms as well as for more volunteers to join the Peace Management Initiatives (PMI) in their communities;

More police presence in crime affected area and for the administration to be mindful of resource allocation (vehicles, personnel) in area now affected by the crime wave; this particularly since we are days away from the opening of schools and children have been the subject of attacks in various communities across the country;

Dedicated courts facilities to fast-track, with appropriate resources, including additional judges, prosecutors and legal support for investigators, to allow for fast tracking of cases involving gang activities;

3.            Revive Unite For Change programme Call on the Church to lead a national day of prayer and repentance; Call on community groups, citizens associations, and neighbourhood watch groups to join with local security teams in securing their neighbourhoods and creating stronger bonds with local police personnel; what has happened to community policing?

4.            More effective utilization of existing laws e.g. DNA, POCA. Rigorously implement the Anti-Gang Law and set targets for the dismantling of the gangs. Establish a registry of all Gangs and their members. This should allow for targeted monitoring of them, using the resources available to the state, including technology;

5.            Build Police Moral given high attrition, condition of service – they feel like they are in a no-win situation

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PHILLIPS RESPONDS TO COMMENTS MADE IN NW ST ANN

Kingston, Jamaica, August 15, 2017: I note with deep concern the controversy surrounding remarks I made at the constituency conference in NW St. Ann last Sunday. Most disturbing is the suggestion that I was insensitive to the illness of my parliamentary colleague, Minister Derrick Smith, with whom I have always been in contact and who knows the high esteem in which I hold him and his family.

At that conference, my purpose was simply to highlight the need for Party preparedness in light of the very slender margin separating the two parties and the possibility of either by-elections or general elections.

It certainly was not my intention to make light of the illness being suffered by the Hon. Derrick Smith, rather it was to highlight the uncertainties of the current political environment and the need to prepare for any eventuality.

If unintentionally I have caused any offense to Minister Smith or his family, I apologize unreservedly.

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OPPOSITION LEADER condemns murder of Meadowbrook student, urges Community to work with the police to bring killers to justice

Kingston, Jamaica, August 8, 2017: Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips is condemning the savage murder of Meadowbrook student Mickolle Moulton and is urging the Arnett Gardens community to work along with the police to identify and bring to justice those who are responsible this new low to which our nation has plunged. “Here is a girl who has committed herself to her academic studies so she could make her contribution to her family, community and country. She has been brutally cut down before she could fulfill her potential.” Phillips said. Moulton was slain while asleep in her home on Tenth Street, Arnett Gardens, over the weekend. “This brutal killing of the 17 year-old and the shooting of her younger sister, signal a new low to which our society has plunged in relation to crime and violence,” Phillips notes. “The community, must work hand in hand with the police and spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice. I offer condolences to the family, community, schoolmates and teachers; and pray a speedy recovery for her sister who suffered injury in the attack.”

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Phillips applauds sterling efforts of Jamaican athletes

Kingston, Jamaica, August 6, 2017 : Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips says the nation continues to be proud of all our athletes as they give of their best in the London games. “No one could ever doubt that Usain and Elaine and all the others gave of their best. Moreover their graciousness and the classy way in which they conducted themselves set an example to all of us.” While Jamaica may not be bringing home all the gold medals we anticipated from the London games, Dr. Phillips applauds the efforts and says the team continues to make our nation proud. He noted that Jamaican Legend Usain Bolt is closing a magnificent career in athletics, and at the same time he leaves behind a remarkable and exemplary standard for many of the nation’s youth to emulate.

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We must do better for our farmers – Phillips

Denbigh, Clarendon August 6, 2017: Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips says the Denbigh exposition, which started ten years before Independence, is a very important part of our national celebration, and that the contribution of our farmers must be applauded as come rain or shine they ensure that food is on our tables.

Dr. Phillips who was speaking at the Denbigh Agricultural Show, Sunday, said Jamaica owes a debt to the farmers, many of whom are still producing under less than modern conditions. Produce from the Jamaican 250,000 farmers and fisher folk account for a large chunk of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dr. Phillips noted that even while Jamaica relies on our farmers, too many of them do not have access to available technology and are dependent on rain to produce.

“We have to do better for our farmers and ourselves as we go forward in the next phase of our Independence. We have to examine how we feed ourselves as a modern society.” Phillips said.

Dr. Phillips said that he is not casting blame on previous administrations but Jamaica must take its food security seriously.

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Message from the Leader Of the Opposition on the 55th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence

My fellow Jamaicans,

As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of our Independence, we can be justly proud of our achievements.

We remain one of the few countries in the world which has maintained a stable parliamentary democracy.

The outstanding successes of our athletes, our scholars, and our professionals in their respective fields of endeavor have enriched the modern world and created Jamaica’s unique presence on the global stage.

However, even as we celebrate our achievements we should also make this a time for reflection and renewal as we face the challenges that persist.

Too many Jamaicans have been left behind; too many of our children leave school without adequate preparation for both the world of work and the exercise of responsible citizenship; too many of our citizens are still squatters in the land of their birth. As a result we are now faced with the reality that among the post-independence generations there are many Jamaicans who no longer have confidence and faith in our nation’s ideals.

There is still too much waste of tax-payer’s resources and too much corruption, and breach of public trust by people in positions of power.

Far from giving up, we must be inspired by what we have achieved as a people and become even more determined to fulfill our potential as a people. It is clearly a time for a renewal of the national spirit and of our commitment to build a Jamaica that works for all.  We owe it to the generations who built the national movement and led the struggle for independence to complete their mission by expanding opportunities for economic and social progress to Jamaicans of all social classes.  

Success in this endeavor will only be assured when all of us, Jamaicans at home and abroad, come together in a truly national effort and demonstrate the fixity of purpose needed to make Jamaica a more caring, a more productive and a more prosperous society. We must learn to settle our disputes without resorting to violence and learn to build bridges of friendship irrespective of class and colour, or political persuasion. Our mission will only be accomplished when Jamaica becomes a model of social cohesion and togetherness and takes its place among the developed countries of the world.

So, as we all look forward to the showcasing of the best of our culture and artistes, and as we welcome Jamaicans from abroad to join in these celebrations, let us also use the opportunity to reflect on our journey thus far, and look forward to the continued progress of our beloved homeland.

Let me wish for you all a restful, happy and safe Independence Day. May God grant us his blessings, our efforts to crown - Jamaica, land we love.

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Emancipation Day Message

Message from the Leader of the Opposition for Jamaica’s Emancipation Day My fellow Jamaicans: I greet you in the spirit of the freedom that we now celebrate annually on Emancipation Day. This celebration is a timely reminder of the struggles waged by our forebears against plantation slavery for over two centuries. Freedom is a fundamental right of human existence and is also the essential first step in the march of any people to nationhood. Two of the greatest leaders in the struggles of our people to free themselves from the shackles of plantation slavery were Nanny of the Maroons and Sam Sharpe. It was in recognition of their roles as both architects and symbols “of our transformation from slavery to freedom” that both were made National Heroes. Jamaica’s long march to nationhood began with Emancipation which laid the basis for our national identity and taught us to appreciate our rich cultural heritage. It is on the foundation of Emancipation that Jamaicans built the national movement and claimed their right to the freedoms we enjoy today to live in dignity, work in harmony, and to secure a better economic future for ourselves and our families. The celebration of Emancipation Day should be recognized as the bedrock on which ordinary Jamaicans with extra-ordinary bravery and vision forced the refashioning of our nation’s cultural, social, economic and political arrangements. Today, the examples of our freedom fighters must inspire us to assert our rights to live in a Jamaica that provides social justice, and equality of opportunity, housing, security, good healthcare, quality education, training, and a chance for personal progress and fulfillment. It is unfortunate that 183 years after so-called “full Free” some 700,000 Jamaicans have no legal ownership of the land on which they and their families have lived and worked for successive generations. It is for this reason that I recently established a Land Commission to prepare a policy framework that will establish a simplified, legal pathway to a land title for those Jamaicans who are still squatters in the land of their birth. This is the commitment of the Opposition when next we form the government. Unfortunately, while we have achieved legal freedom, there still persists a slavery of the mind. It was this condition that led National Hero Marcus Garvey to recognize the need for “emancipation from mental slavery”. As Bob Marley said “none but ourselves can free our minds”. We must never forget the sacrifices and the efforts of those who gave their all in order to build a Jamaica that offers opportunity for all the people, and where families and communities live in harmony with each other free from crime, corruption and oppression. As we celebrate Emancipation Day let us recommit ourselves to the vision of our ancestors, who wanted to build a country, nurture our children, care for the elderly and infirm, and give every Jamaican the opportunity to develop materially and spiritually. As we pursue this mission, let me wish for you all a restful, happy and safe Emancipation Day. May God continue to bless you and bless our country – Jamaica, land we love.

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DR PHILLIPS CONGRATULATES REGGAE BOYZ ON VICTORY

Kingston, Jamaica, July 23, 2017: The President of the People’s National Party and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips extends wholehearted congratulations to the Reggae Boyz on reaching the CONCACAF GOLD CUP FINAL with a victory over arch rival Mexico. It was a long and hard campaign and although not yet concluded, your strength, focus and tenacity in reaching the semi-final stage signaled your persistence in achieving success. Your victory tonight brought back memories of your 1998 campaign when the team qualified for the FIFA World Cup in France, and in so doing made history for Jamaica. I have no doubt that you will again enjoy the overwhelming support of a grateful nation as we root for victory in the final.

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Presentation at NEC: Our only mission is for Jamaica

The matter of the selection process in SW ST Andrew is now behind us. We need to remember that an essential resource in the Party is the unity of the PNP. At every point in our long history, our Electoral fortunes have always been strongest when we are unified. To that end our decision today to establish a protocol in our conduct in the Era of new and social media, is essential, because all the comrades are depending on us to protect and not damage their inheritance in the PNP, we cannot afford to let people who have tunnel vision to damage the long term vision of the Jamaican people, which is to have vibrant PNP. I want to emphasize the need for enumeration work is to be taken seriously. We are holding the government to the promise that there will be a house to house verification. We demand that those commitments are fulfilled and that must be done in this fiscal year. I was particularly please of the levels of participation when we receive the reports from the land and the new economy reports. In the next few weeks we will establish the education commission.this will help us to complete in our time, the educational revolution that started from Michael Manley in the 1960s.many of us are the beneficiaries of what was started by Norman Manley. Sad fact us that today, we are still leaving 50 per cent of our children behind. We owe our children a better opportunity by fixing the educational system.. We have to look at what they need so that we can raise the education barrier, the school, in the absence of strong families is the leading agent for developing strong values and attitudes among our children. Land, job, education key to realizing equity and inclusion in our society. Good work has been done in organizing the Orange Army. We have to be clear what is our purpose, our purpose is not just to win a dwindling share of electorate. We were not about just seeking power, our Party was about building a Jamaica that works for all. We are a party of discipline, we are a party of integrity. Jamaica does not belong to political parties, but to all of us, we are see ourselves as walking hand in hand until Jamaica gets to the mountaintop of development. The JLP was scarcely elected when we saw them take steps with taxpayers money with the so called De-Bushing programme. Other officials were lying and they continue to serve in positions of trust because the Prime Minister will do nothing. We won’t even talk about the issue of telephone use, and the Mombasa grass, the give away of sand going against the advice of Nepa There has been no $18,000, no tax give back without a tax break, the Jamaican people are facing severe times than they have ever faced. We don’t have to wait on election time to be among the people, we need to go to the communuties, talk to the profess naps, many of them. We’re duped by false promises. We need to go out and encourage them to be a part of this mission to build a Jamaica that works.

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Phillips and the PNP Amend the Special Zones Bill to Protect the Jamaican People

On June 28, 2017, the PNP Opposition, led by Dr. Peter Phillips, successfully amended the JLP Government’s crime bill to protect the Jamaican people from partisan political control of the security forces in the proposed Zones of Special Operations law. In an impassioned exchange, Peter Phillips explained to PM Holness that the bill he proposed gives him as Prime Minister the authority “to declare any geographically defined area… a zone of special operations”. Phillips went on to explain that the country has self-consciously and deliberately moved away from giving the political directorate any role in operational decisions concerning the security forces. (see YouTube clip PNP Protects the Jamaican People) https://youtu.be/D8dqwakYyp0 As a result of the PNP’s amendment, it is the security forces and not Prime Minister Holness, who will declare a zone of special operations in the fight against crime. Two other fundamental amendments secured by the PNP members of the Joint Select Committee, MPs Peter Bunting, Morais Guy and Fitz Jackson and Senator Mark Golding were to ensure that the bill included: Provisions and controls to protect the rights of citizens who are caught up in a zone of special operations. Giving persons in the Zones of Special Operations the ability to appeal the loss of property and liberty via Lay Magistrates While the amendments improved the bill, the PNP still had reservations about its effectiveness due to the lack of adequate resources for equipping the police and well-needed social intervention. Team PNP will remain vigilant in its support for effective crime fighting while protecting the rights of Jamaicans, especially the vulnerable. Watch Youtube Clip of Gen Sec Robinson and Spokesperson on National Security Bunting speak to the gains in amendments. https://youtu.be/l0av2VArSbs

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The OCG Report: A Damning Indictment of JLP Corruption

Kingston, Jamaica, June 29, 2017: The report published by the Office of the Contractor General’s (OCG) makes it clear that in November 2016, while murders doubled and police had neither cars nor bullet proof vests, the JLP Government used the $800m allocated to a de-bushing programme to buy votes. The de-bushing programme managed by Ministers Daryl Vaz and Everald Warmington, both of whom operate out of Prime Minister Holness’ Ministry, together with Ministers Robert Montague, Andrew Wheatley and Shahine Robinson used “facilitators as agents or third parties to receive funds and to pay labourers”. This was clearly as the OCG report described, a “corruption enabling mechanism”. Section 19 of the report states that the evidence before the OCG implicates Members of Parliament (Ministers Robert Montague, Andrew Wheatley and Shahine Robinson) in: a) specifying the persons to who cheques should be made payable; b) the amounts in which same (cheques) should be made payable; and c) the manner in which same (cheques) were to be apportioned to the sub-contractors and/or facilitators. It is to be noted that the work done in PNP constituencies was carried out without any consultation with the PNP leadership. In fact, it was the JLP Ministers who chose the contractors and the workers in a brazen attempt to bribe PNP voters. The OCG report clearly lays the basis for further investigation of charges of corruption and misappropriation of public funds. It is clear that we are not going to win the fight against crime as long as we are led by a government that places politics before the safety and security of the people.

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The PNP Amends the Special Zones Bill to Protect the Jamaican People

The Parliamentary Opposition, led by Dr. Peter Phillips, successfully amended the Government’s proposed crime bill to protect the Jamaican people from partisan political control of the security forces in the proposed Zones of Special Operations law. In making his contribution to the debate, Peter Phillips explained to PM Holness that the bill he proposed gives him as Prime Minister the authority “to declare any geographically defined area… a zone of special operations”. However, Dr. Phillips went on to explain that the country has self-consciously and deliberately moved away from giving the political directorate any role in operational decisions concerning the security forces. As a result of the Opposition’s amendment, it is the security forces and not Prime Minister Holness, who will declare a zone of special operations in the fight against crime. Two other fundamental amendments secured by the Opposition were to ensure that the bill included: Provisions and controls to protect the rights of citizens who are caught up in a zone of special operations. Giving persons in the Zones of Special Operations, the ability to appeal the loss of property and liberty via Lay Magistrates. While the amendments improved the bill, the Parliamentary Opposition still had reservations about its effectiveness due to the lack of adequate resources for equipping the police and providing a clear path to funding the well-needed social intervention.

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TRIBUTE TO THE MOST HONOURABLE PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER

We are gathered here today to pay tribute and bid farewell to one of our colleagues who has been an indelible presence in this Parliament for over 40 years. The life and work of our colleague, former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller has been duly recognised in other fora. However, we the Members of this Honourable House have a responsibility to place on record our assessment of her outstanding contribution for future generations. In so doing we discharge a responsibility that is in keeping with worthy traditions. Most of us need an ideal or an individual to rouse us to a realization of the latent powers within ourselves and our capacity for greatness. There is no doubt that for over four decades Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller has become for thousands of Jamaican Children Island wide that symbol of achievement. Her journey from humble beginnings in rural Jamaica to the highest office of the land through sheer grit, determination, hard work and courage is but one dimension of her unique contribution to the social and political life of Jamaica. Equally important in her meteoric rise is the fact that she became Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister in a political process historically dominated by men. Global recognition followed when TIME Magazine ranked her in the top 100 of the most influential women in the world. Her career in electoral politics began with her election to the KSAC in 1974 as the Councillor for the Whitfield Town Division which laid the basis for the transformation of the constituency of South-West St. Andrew into a bastion for the Peoples National Party. The name Portia quickly became synonymous with the struggle of the people in her constituency for a better life. They all began to feel more confident to face life with Portia as they saw in her the opportunity to realize the hopes and dreams they had cherished for so long for themselves and their families. Her overwhelming victory at the polls in 1976 made her the first PNP Member of Parliament for South West Sr. Andrew and marked the beginning of her representation which would be virtually unchallenged for over four decades. As the political representative of a constituency comprised of some of the most challenging urban communities, Portia Simpson Miller earned a well-deserved reputation as the veritable embodiment of the PNP’s historical advocacy of social equality by her work to uplift the most marginalized sectors of society. Her influence was also evident in the rise of a new political class. In the seven General Elections between 1944 and 1972 only four women were elected to the Lower House – Iris Collins, Rose Leon, Iris King and Esme Grant. When Portia entered in 1976 she did so with four other women and since then the impact of women in the Jamaican political process has been increasingly seen and felt. During her political career she held a range of cabinet portfolios including Labour & Social Security, Tourism & Sports, and Local Government, Sports & Community Development. To each she brought passion and the capacity to inspire her staff to share her commitment to make the interests of the people paramount. The Historians and the social commentators will no doubt make their assessments in due course. But it is indeed indisputable that during her tenure as Minister of Labour, the confidence she inspired in both the labour movement and employers contributed greatly to ensuring the stability of the industrial relations climate in what was a difficult economic environment. Equally, history will record her role in the completion and implementation of the Tourism Master Plan which continues to guide the Industry. For many however her role as the Minister, longest associated with Sports and Sports Development was critical in helping consolidate Jamaica’s place on the world stage where sporting prowess was concerned. The nation will forever recall her contribution in this regard. Over the last two decades, as Portia Simpson Miller’s climb to the top has increasingly become a source of inspiration, more young Jamaicans have emerged from our inner city communities to represent Jamaica with phenomenal success on global stage. Indeed, Portia is an emblem of so much that is right with Jamaica. Among other things, she demonstrated the sheer grit and determination to succeed that defines so many of our modern day heroes from Bob Marley to Usain Bolt. Equally, significant is her pride in who she is and her embrace of her history. Many may not know but Portia keeps close track of her relationships; she has more identifiable cousins than anyone else I know. For her it is a badge of pride to recognize and accept them all. At the same time however it was reflective of her almost mystical connection with the people of the country. She was related to them as much as they related to her. Whatever we may think of this notion, there is no doubt that Portia claimed a special place in the consciousness and emotions of the Jamaican people that will earn her a unique place in the political history of the country. She served in the Cabinet of Michael Manley and P.J. Patterson, and developed lifelong friendships with both Hugh Shearer and Eddie Seaga, Prime Ministers during JLP Administrations, but there is no doubt that within the pantheon her place is unique and secure. Today, on the eve of her retirement from representational politics she can be assured that she has earned a special niche among the most enduringly popular leaders in modern Jamaican life, and is guaranteed a secure place in Jamaica’s history. On a personal note I served in her cabinet after challenging her for the leadership of the Party, and I would like to place on record that not only did she entrust me with perhaps the most critical portfolio of Finance, but gave unfailing support to all the measures that were required to take Jamaica through a most difficult period. During her tenure as President of the PNP and Prime Minister of Jamaica, she presided over some of the most definitive growth-inducing reforms of the Jamaican economy and was able to do so despite the many difficulties involved, without losing the essential trust and respect of the Jamaican people. At every step along the way Jamaicans trusted and believed in her basic commitment to the building of a Jamaica that offered equal opportunities to all Jamaicans and ensured that the most marginalized did not remain at the back of the line. For Portia, this concern for the plight of the Poor was not just a dimension of her “political personality”, but rather was a quality of her personal character whether it was the simple offer of a “sweetie” in the middle of some long and tedious public function, or the presentation of a gift to some needy child or constituent, or her rushing home to take care of her beloved “Errol” or Mr. Miller, Portia was and is an intensely loving person. But she was no “sofers” as they would say. She had an indefatigable courage. In the tense and fervid days of the 1970s she would venture anywhere at any time and confront any danger that made lesser men wilt. She may not have “bared her chest” as Bustamante was reputed to have done but she certainly told the arrayed might of Jamaica’s security forces that they could do what they wanted, but she was not going to leave her people in Whitfield Town. I am proud to place on record this Tribute to her as a leader, stateswoman and an exemplary daughter of Jamaica, who has made her indelible mark, not only in Jamaica and the Caribbean, but in the wider world on behalf of all of those masses of people who continue to struggle for a better life. June 27, 2017

[drthehonpeterphillips-blog]

Fathers do better for your children, says Phillips

May 5, 2017: Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips said fathers must take a more active role in the lives of their children to protect their stability, advancement and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Phillips was addressing students and other young people at youth forum at the Sunnyside Resort in Westmoreland on May 5 as part of his Listening Tour. “We can’t be in a country where a man feels a sense of pride by having five baby mothers,” he lamented to rousing applause. Describing that view as a carryover from slavery, he said it has to stop. “That kind of thinking was engineered hundreds of years ago when one set of people owned another. It was designed to breakdown, undermine and destroy family life,” he said. He pointed out that fathers owe it to their children to provide that emotional balance that would guide young men, especially, into becoming adults. Dr. Phillips recalled the days of a criminal gang called the Fatherless Crew that terrorized sections of the Corporate Area pointing out that they wreaked mayhem in the communities in which they operated. “They were also acting out on that void and hurt that they felt because of that missing paternal element in their lives,” the former National Security Minister pointed out. Dr. Phillips made the comment in response to questions he got from the teens relating to violence against women and children which were mainly committed by young males. The Opposition leader said that the level of violence being meted out to women must be addressed in a direct way and that the pattern of behaviour by some males is a continuation of what was instilled during the era of slavery. Also addressing the family as a whole, Dr. Phillips said that parents must become more involved in the lives of their children. “Some teachers are reporting that some parents only come to school once a year and that is on the first day. I know you have to work and I know that times are hard, but try to beg one day off work to check up on your youths,” he said. Dr. Phillips had strong words for those who would exploit children. “We must identify them and start to hold them responsible in law,” he said.

[drthehonpeterphillips-blog]

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, INNOVATION AND THE NEW ECONOMY COMMISSION

COMMISSION: YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, INNOVATION AND THE NEW ECONOMY A Necessary Context The structure of the Jamaican economy has not evolved significantly since independence (1962) with economic activity still largely focused on the provision of traditional goods and services and the absence of innovative changes in the production and delivery process. We have not replaced the traditional sectors with any new modern sectors, and we continue to rely on the declining export of raw materials. The new economy is yet to emerge. A manifestation of this reality is exemplified in the recent employment indicators which show that of 1,185,700 people employed in Jamaica, the largest numbers are in wholesale & retail repair of motor vehicles and equipment (20%), agriculture hunting forestry & fishing (17%), construction (9%) and hotel & restaurant services (8%). In 2002 only about six per cent of our exports were mid- to high- tech manufacturing and the situation has not improved (Don Robotham, 2006). Another critical deficit is the low productivity of the labour force which is directly related to the low level of education and training. Even as we increase our tertiary enrollment rates, the gap between our graduates and the labour market requirements for a modern economy widens. Even the relatively few tertiary graduates who don’t migrate have a difficult time finding employment while reports from many employers are that they have a difficult time finding suitable candidates. The challenges for young people go beyond the tertiary students experience though as the unemployment rate among young people overall remains considerably high at 31.2%, compared to the national average of 12.7%. As Jamaica struggles to match the education and skills to the current structure of the economy to drive sustainable growth, there is no indication that our education and training system or research and development within the private sector is preparing us for the future. There is little evidence that Jamaica is taking into account the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as computers increasingly replace human beings in the modern service and manufacturing economy globally. The world is going to change rapidly in a relatively short space of time. While the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), that was led by the recent PNP Government was critical to restoring macro-economic stability and laid the foundations for equitable growth, it is not clear that the critical factors driving Jamaica’s reality for today’s youth and the prospects for the future are being effectively considered. It is imperative that the country finds innovative and more creative ways of engaging young people in capitalizing on the transformation of traditional industries as well as engaging and investing in new cutting edge industries. As we prepare ourselves to form the next government we will be launching the YOUTH EMLOYMENT, INNOVATION AND THE NEW ECONOMY COMMISSION with the following objectives: To develop the appropriate economic policy framework and New Economy Action Plan to modernize and transform globally competitive areas of the Jamaican economy in the short and medium-term that would leverage the energy and talents of Jamaica’s youth (18-35) and contribute to levels of sustained equitable economic growth required to the raise living standards of all Jamaicans. This comprehensive approach will consciously seek to develop new nodes of regional development throughout the inner countryside in contrast to the usual focus on the major coastal towns as that is urgently needed in our country. While the framework will seek to enable innovation, creativity and sound business outcomes for young people across a range of sectors, there are some sectors of focus that the Commission will examine closely to inform specific recommendations. The sectors of focus are determined based on what will likely remain globally competitive even as the world economy advances with AI as well as enable a significantly improved standard of living for Jamaicans living in the countryside and urban centres. Some of these sectors have already combined to make Brand Jamaica strong. With a focused enabling framework, an engine of dynamism and growth could be unleashed for: Music Entertainment Fashion Sports Nutraceuticals (including medical cannabis) Technology Development (animation) High Level Skills Outsourcing Services - legal, accounting etc Food/Gastronomy Tourism through AirBnB Care Services – nursing, retirement villages Distinct pathways of productive engagement in the New Economy Action Plan for the following target youth segments (18-35) will also be considered: Tertiary graduates Secondary graduates with skills Secondary graduates with low or no skills Unattached youth Identify ways to strengthen national institutions and public policy processes that promote innovation Mobilize public support and financial support for critical elements of the New Economy Action Plan This Commission, on Youth, Innovation and the New Economy, will work closely with the Education Commission (to be launched in July 2017) which will examine how to raise the quality of our education and training systems with appropriate financial support to create a more globally capable and better trained and more productive labour force which can hold its own nationally and internationally. The Education Commission will also look at the range of interventions within the education system needed to encourage youth to develop healthy social attitudes and values and to assist them to remain and advance successfully through the various stages of the education system and into the labour market. The PNP’s Land Ownership Commission (launched April 2017) which intends to map a simplified road to an effective title for over 600,000 Jamaicans will also enable the work of this Commission. For the land titling programme will facilitate the revitalization of urban and rural communities and the ownership of land, which in turn will provide access to financing for investment in their business and social enterprise ideas. REPORTING The Commission will report to the Leader of Opposition and will be required to submit a preliminary report within six (6) months of commencement. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION Chairperson: Gary Peart – Chief Executive Officer - Mayberry Investments Limited Ryan Foster - Group Chief Executive Officer, Tastee Limited Grace Lindo – Intellectual Property and Commercial Attorney Dr. Deborah Hickling - Executive Director of Ink and Vision Ltd, a Creative Economy Development and Development Communication firm Javette Nixon - Chairman & CEO of Seaforth Holdings Limited, Point Global Marketing Kurt Boothe – General Manager and Executive Director of Medical Disposables & Supplies Limited Dr. Jennifer Bailey - Head of Entrepreneurship Unit, Babson College Miguel 'Steppa' Williams - Social Development Consultant, Lecturer Shelly-Ann Curran - CEO and Founder of John John Music Group Kimberley Thompson - Student The Commission will build on existing analysis that has been completed to inform sustainable growth in this key area and hear submissions from a range of stakeholder groups in the drive for workable solutions. They will also draw on the expertise of resource persons which will include: A recording secretary for the Commission shall be appointed by th.00000e Chairman. Technical Resource persons: Helen McIntosh (Technical Advisor, OLO); Jerron Green (Research Officer, OLO) The Opposition Spokespersons with responsibilities for Finance, Culture, Investment, Industry and Information Technology will be ex officio members. COMMISSIONERS’ PROFILES Gary Peart – Chairman Gary Peart has been the Chief Executive Officer of Mayberry Investments Limited since May, 2005 and became an Executive Director of the Board in April, 2006. Prior to joining Mayberry Investments, he held a wide range of senior positions at leading institutions in the financial industry. Mr Peart serves on the Board of Directors of Lasco Financial Services, Lasco Distributors, IronRock Insurance Company and the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission; he is Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Mr Peart graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona and received an EMBA from Florida International University. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of St Andrew North. Ryan Foster – Deputy Chairman Ryan is a multi-talented professional with a proven track record of delivering outstanding business results and sport successes. He holds a B.Sc. in Management and Accounts and a MSc. Accounts from UWI, Mona and serves as a board member for Jamaica Paralympic Association, Director of the Sub-Committee of the Board of Management of Wolmers Boys School, Director at Port Security Corps, Director CPTC and President of the Skateboarding Jamaica. His achievements in the business sector are enumerable and include exponential growth in corporate revenue and profitability, brand recognition and superiority, impactful operational efficiencies, high levels of employee satisfaction and loyalty and organizational transformation. In recognition of his expertise and dedication to duty, he has been the recipient of numerous awards for business ingenuity, corporate performance, organizational leadership, team management and motivation and community work. The Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica’s revered Tastee Limited and a Director on several private and public sector boards, Ryan’s commitment to the development of the youth, particularly through sport and community involvement, is exceptional and is an expression of fulfilling years of working tirelessly with them. Dr. Deborah Hickling Dr. Deborah Hickling is Executive Director of Ink and Vision Ltd, a Creative Economy Development and Development Communication firm in Jamaica. Dr. Hickling has been a cultural and creative industries practitioner, administrator and educator for over twenty years, working across the disciplines of management, broadcasting, audio-visual and events production, advertising, public relations and arts management. Deborah is a Visiting Research Fellow in Creative Economy Development at the University of the West Indies; where she lectures and supervises both business and cultural studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the Mona School of Business and Management; and the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Between 2014 – 2015 she led the inter-ministerial process of crafting Jamaica’s Creative Economy Policy Framework while serving as Convener of the National Cultural and Creative Industries Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister of Jamaica; and as Chair of the Inter-ministerial Technical Working Group for Cultural and Creative Industries within the Office of the Prime Minister. Through her company, Dr Hickling continues to provide bridging services to creative professionals including VIP logistics, creative coordination, contract administration and professional development. She continues to design and deliver tertiary-level courses in cultural studies, media and communication, cultural and creative enterprise management and production. Javette O. Nixon Javette Nixon is the Founder, Chairman & CEO of Seaforth Holdings Limited a diversified investment and holding company which focuses on impact investing and the development of emerging businesses & social enterprises throughout the Caribbean region. Seaforth Holdings Limited’s portfolio companies currently include Point Global Marketing Limited (POINT), a Marketing and Brand Development firm; Esther Ventures, a Venture Capital and Private Equity firm investing in micro and small businesses; Zoombridge Solutions Limited, a Research and Data Technology firm focused on data disruption within the Caribbean and Social & Economic Alliance for Development (SEAD), a policy-oriented NGO that supports national developmental programs, advocacy, and policymaking. Javette is also a director of Vein Centers of Jamaica, a boutique medical practice that focuses on the treatment of venous diseases. Prior to forming POINT, Javette founded his first company at the age of 23, an ecommerce company that sold Jamaican products internationally. He has also worked at EdgeChem Jamaica Limited and Capital & Credit Merchant Bank. In addition, he has done extensive community work through several organizations, most notably serving as vice-chairman for the St. Thomas Association of Youth Organization (STAYO), and in his founding SEAD. Javette holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of the West Indies Mona. He is also an alumnus of the University of London, the Technology Innovation Centre Incubator - University of Technology, the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean and a Young Leader of the Americas 2016 Professional Fellow. Javette is also the season one winner of NCB Capital Quest in 2015. Grace Lindo Grace Lindo is a commercial, technology and intellectual property attorney-at-law at the Jamaican law firm, Nunes Scholefield DeLeon & Co., where she heads the Intellectual Property practice group. Her practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, compliance/corporate regulatory, charities registration/compliance, energy, management of intellectual property portfolios for local and international companies, technology commercialization and privacy/cybersecurity. She has been ranked as one of the Caribbean’s top trademark professionals by the World Trademark Review (WTR) 100 since 2015. Grace is a graduate of the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Mona and Cave Hill campuses from which she received a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications and a Bachelor of Laws respectively. She attended the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), as a Chevening Scholar, where she earned a Master of Laws (LLM) in Competition, Innovation and Trade with a focus on Technology Regulation. She is a member of the International Trademarks Association (INTA) and has served as the convener of both the Intellectual Property and Commercial committees of the Jamaica Bar Association (JAMBAR). Grace is currently a Fellow of the Internet Community for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a Director of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, a member of the Advisory Board of educational start-up, EduFocal Limited, and is a former Director of the Advisory Board of the Companies Office of Jamaica. In addition, she provides pro bono support services to start-ups under the auspices of the Technology Innovation Centre (UTech) as well as the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and has been a contributor to the World Bank’s Doing Business survey on Jamaica since 2008. Her areas of academic research interest include digital copyright regulation, internet access rights, innovation incentives/regulation in small and developing countries, technology and financial inclusion, and data privacy. Accordingly, Grace has done several papers/presentations, including looking at “Intellectual Property in Mergers and Acquisitions” at the 2012 JAMBAR Conference and “Net Neutrality and Internet Access Rights” at the Chevening Global Ambitions Conference at the University of Birmingham in 2016. Upcoming papers include “The Regulation of Disruptive Financial Technology” at the UWI, Cave Hill’s Commercial Law Workshop in Miami, Florida in July 2017 and “Big Data and Privacy” at JAMBAR’s November 2017 conference. Kurt Anthony Boothe Kurt Anthony Boothe is the General Manager and Executive Director of Medical Disposables & Supplies Limited (MDS). Kurt holds a BSc in banking and finance and an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship from the Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Upon completion of his MBA from Nova Southeastern University and his years of professional experience in the financial industry at two prestigious multinational institutions while residing in Florida – American Express and Franklin Templeton Investments – Kurt Boothe made his return to the island to feed his internal appetite for local development through business. Mr. Boothe joined the MDS team where he now holds the position of General Manager. He has been instrumental in re-branding the Company, applying modern solutions to business challenges, implementing technical advances that have allowed the Company to offer the highest level of service, and has played a vital role in piloting the Company onto the Junior Stock Market. Mr. Boothe is an out-going Non-Executive Director of the Petroleum Company of Jamaica with responsibility for Marketing and volunteers for his alma mater (Wolmer’s Boys School) as mentor and as Manager of the Football team, a sport at which he excelled in his youth. Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams Miguel Williams is a Social Development Consultant, Lecturer, Dub Poet, Resultant, Motivational Speaker and Cultural Activist. Steppa is a graduate of the UWI Mona where he holds a Bachelors Degree in History (African) and International Relations. He is currently writing for a Phd in Cultural Studies. As a Dub Poet he has featured performances on several popular shows over the years, they include; Rebel Salute, Sting, Reggae Sunsplash, Calgary Reggae Festival ‘Canada’, Pomedy, Poetry in Motion and several others. Steppa is a two time nominee for the International Reggae and World Music Awards ‘IRAWMA’ in the category of best poet. Currently he is the Director of a local Non-Governmental Organization, the Forward Step Foundation dealing with Community development and Education, Wealth Creation, Creative Therapy and Total Empowerment. He is an active force in the islands prisons and juvenile correctional facilities where he operates as a teacher/motivational speaker/cultural producer of music and events. He is the creative face of the Youth centered television show ‘Talk Up Yout’ aired on TVJ. (televsionjamaica.com/talkupyout) (talkupyout.com) Miguel Williams has received many accolades for his dedicated service to nation building including being Commonwealth Youth Worker of the year 2015 (Queens Award) and the Obama Young Leaders of the Americas Fellow (Presidential Award). Williams now serves as a Director of NCB Foundation. Shelly-Ann Curran Shelly-Ann Curran is a Jamaican music executive, grammy nominated manager, and television personality. Shelly-Ann is an expert in the areas of integrated marketing, communications, professional development, with over 12 years’ experience in building, shaping and sustaining quality brands. These were most notably tried and tested at Digicel Jamaica, where she was the company’s Senior Sponsorship & Activations Manager. Prior to that, Shelly was Digicel’s Group Sponsorship Manager – notably, the person behind the signing of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser to Digicel. With skills spanning the range of marketing competencies including; creative development and ideation, advertising, sponsorship, activations and public relations, Shelly has set new standards in the delivery of nationally acclaimed concerts and publicity launch events. She was the mastermind behind Jamaica’s homecoming celebrations for their Olympians. Shelly-Ann Curran is the CEO and Founder of John John Music Group. She launched the company in 2014 and since then has been involved in all phases of the firm’s development. Shelly-Ann is an active philanthropist with a history of supporting education and schools. Whether in business or in philanthropy, she always attempts to tackle big problems and find transformative solutions. Kimberley Thompson Kimberley Thompson is the PNPYO Political Education Commission Chairman. Her interests lie in community development, nation building and youth empowerment. She is also a member of the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network, a youth led organisation which focuses on policy, advocacy, youth activism and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights. Thompson is the 2017 2nd Runner up in the Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen Competition. Kimberley is the producer for the morning radio show on Hot 102 FM, JA Speaks and an International Relations student at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

[drthehonpeterphillips-blog]

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION MOURNS CAPTAIN BURRELL

Kingston, Jamaica, June 6, 2017: Leader of the Opposition, Dr Peter Phillips is saddened by news of the death of Captain Horace Burrell, President of the Jamaica Football Federation. Dr Phillips says Jamaica will remain grateful to Captain Burrell, who, as the head of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), believed in the potential of our national players and took Jamaica’s game to the global playing field. It was this fervent belief in our potential, which culminated in our successful 1998 FIFA World Cup campaign.

He said Burrell made a significant contribution to national development through football and the exposure of our players in global football competition, and he will be missed.

It is with deep sadness that I express my condolences to Captain Burrell’s family and friends, and to the Reggae Boyz and entire JFF family.