William Skinner Report on Rula Brown Network RBN
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| William Skinner |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw2zBrfFRK4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw2zBrfFRK4
International Women's Day : Our Caribbean Women, Our Hope
One Caribbean Nation As we celebrate International Womens’ Day, we are cognizant of the role our Caribbean women have played in the cultural social and economic growth of our region and evolving Caribbean civilization. They , like our men , have risen from the depths and decadence of slavery , to the highest political and corporate ladders in the region. They have given birth, to millions and have made and continue to make significant contributions to those in the Diaspora. In many cases, where they were not the biological mothers, they nurtured, cared and developed those , who were deprived of parenthood , and socio-economic hope. They are in our classrooms, directing young and fragile minds , how to navigate a world that we in the region , must forever avoid being dragged into conflicts of the so-called super powers. They are pursuing all the opportunities of our tertiary educational institutions, including the University of the West Undies, often in higher numbers than our men. I
Comments
by Ruel E. Lowe
I sometimes wonder if this is the same country, Jamaica that was the land of birth of that stalwart, Marcus M. Garvey the father of Pan-Africanism!
I was almost reduced to tears when I viewed the skin "Bleaching" video! Seeing my poor uninformed/unfortunate brothers and sisters behaving in an outlandish and dangerous manner, displaying self-hate and a lack of love for self and kind!
Where did this self-loathing/self-hate come from? Just think! Yes you got it! Four hundred years plus, of brain washing and constant reinforcement through the media and other institutionalized methods of persuasion and entreaty! That has been responsible for many of us doing things that are not to the benefit of us and kind!
I am issuing words of warning and caution, to those of us brothers and sisters, who are more self-aware, to be very careful in our criticism/mocking/ridiculing/humoring of the “Bleachers”. Always remember we are often judged by the behavior of the least of those in our society! What we need to do is, take strong action, by educating and informing the poor unfortunate ones who practice this dangerous act of folly, of the poisonous and carcinogenic substances in this cream, and their evil properties.
A very dear friend of mine constantly uses this phrase: “Never look down on someone, unless you are extending your hand to help them up”!
Well said and practiced!
Walk good.....
Even-though this article mentioned Jamaica by name, the article is directed to the entire Caribbean
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by Ruel E. Lowe
In a time when more children/young adults are attending secondary and tertiary institutions, instead of the country/society ascending, it is declining socially and financially! That is rather puzzling, actually that defies logic!
Digressing for a moment, I have always believed the all we need to know is revealed to us and around us, but, many of us lack the ability to discern/observe/comprehend/accept. Should we take time out to take a close look at the society today, it will become apparent that there has been gradual erosion of the moral fabric/foundation, a loss of the work ethics past generations were famous for have been replaced by scams, trickery, begging, violence and crime. I could give examples of each, but we are well aware of our shortcomings and issues.
Our music which has always been our thermometer and barometer, is the ideal story teller of the society, it will give us an indication/insight of the direction the society is moving into. A generation ago the music had a soothing/calming/melodious flavor to it. You would be able to listen to artists/groups such as Alton Ellis, Lord Creator, Keith and Enid, the Gaylads, the Paragons and numerous others, their music would have such a calming, soothing positive effect on you! The music was more universal, in that it could, be enjoyed and appreciated by many all around the world. Today’s music has a more combative, and seems to be designed for local consumption only!
A generation or more ago we might have been financially challenged and lacking in opportunity, but we were rich with self-confidence, class, vision, and dignity. Today while the society has many more graduates, and professionals, we tend to be lacking the entrepreneurial spirit, and there is no tradition of giving-back in order to raise the lower strata of the society. Those who have achieved academic accomplishment, seem to be more interested in receiving accolades and praise, rather that providing opportunities for advancement to the less fortunate and tend to use their education as a whip, to chastise the poor.
That is when in my humble opinion is, when we started down the slippery slope of poverty.
by Ruel E. Lowe
This was a question posed by a very charming intelligent, articulate, patriotic sister, who was disgusted, with what she saw, taking place in her beloved country Jamaica!
She questioned whether any progress has been made under/since Independence, by Jamaica, and concluded that Jamaica was better off as a British colony?
I went along with most of her factual views, until she stated that Jamaica was better under colonialism, that is where we parted company!
If we only analyze the action/behavior/results from the surface, without finding the cause, we will end up blaming the victim, and coming up with the wrong conclusions, if we use a false premise!
Now let us take a keen careful look at the facts:
1. Under colonialism we were always thought of and treated as subjects of the colonial master (servants/second class citizens, not as equals). To many who might not be aware, there was a time under colonialism, where no dark-skinned person, regardless of academic qualification, would be seen working in any government office or a bank!
2. Whenever a colonial power granted independence to a former colony, true independence is never granted, meaning, independence was just a front, or a way to disguise the fact that they would no longer, shoulder the financial burden required to keep the colony functioning!
3. The colonial powers always reserve the right to return and repossess the country if they think the country is not doing there dictates and bidding's!
4. The government is never turned over to patriots, but to chosen leaders they appoint and find palatable!
5. The big bombshell! These former colonies were never prepared for self-governance, before independence is granted, hence, they were set up for failure.
6. The education system was never designed to fulfill the needs of the former colony, but to produce workers for the colonial system.
Jamaica as a model former colony adopted many negative qualities of their colonial masters, e.g. the social stratification, where, the privileged, looked down their noses on those beneath them, hence the educated look with disdain on the ones who didn't get the opportunity to advance academically, instead of try to raise them up to the benefit of the entire society, the educated seek accolades, self-gratification and recognition,.
Advancement will only be achieved if the leaders institute policies elevating the working class and the unfortunate.
Is there any wonder, why, we are in the present deplorable state of affairs and conditions?
We don’t seem to have nation builders in leadership, whether it because of incompetence, greed, selfishness, arrogance, re-election desires or a combination of all of the above, the country needs, knowledgeable, patriotic leaders who put Jamaica first!
Independence is not the problem, it is the implementation!