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Published: March 10th 2006
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Portia Simpson Miller
This picture is courtesy of http://www.lgib.gov.uk . I thought maybe you would like to see the new PM. The last couple of weeks Jamaica has been engrossed in the recent political party elections. Prime Minister PJ Patterson resigned thus sparking the party elections. There are two dominant political parties in Jamaica: The People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP). Currently, the PNP has control of the job of the prime minister and the government. So, whoever is president of the PNP party is the prime minister. PJ Patterson, PM, and former president of the PNP is now passing his torch on the new president, Portia Simpson Miller. That’s right, it’s a woman! Jamaica has now joined the ranks of the few countries with a woman head of government. Way to go Portia! People seem to be very happy with Portia. She will be inaugurated, as Prime Minister, later this month.
I spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of last week at “Youth Explosion”. This gathering of youth reminded me much of CYO Convention or Youth 2000 with some Jamaican flavor. Catholic’s make up 4% of the Jamaican population. We are definitely minorities here. About 800 youth from the island gathered at St. George’s College (a Jesuit high school). I worked as a “facilitator”, which means they
The things I surround myself with.
These are typical things i have strewn on my floor or in my backpack. Green oranges, phonics/english workbooks, flash cards, children's books etc. Ah, the life. handed me a piece of paper and told me to lead a workshop. Well, it’s was interesting. I can’t say that I did a good job, but I made it through the weekend : ). I also spent the three days singing in the band…most of the time trying to learn the song that we were singing while I was standing in front of the mic. I had a good time.
Tonight I’m awaiting news from Chrissy (Brown) Kissling per Kate Laska about the birth of her baby. Chrissy was induced into labor last night and I can’t wait to hear the news.
The new dentist, Dr. Ed Herred (I’m not sure this is spelled right) has arrived to Jamaica. After bringing him one of the 6th grade boys that I tutor in for dental work, we had the idea of screening all the 6th graders (and maybe 5th graders) from Dupont Primary school. So this week, thanks to the cooperation of Dr. Ed, and the assistant principal of Dupont I have been able to screen the mouths of about one hundred fifteen 6th graders to check for major problems. Any students I screened with VERY LARGE cavities,
Random
So much character in these chairs. They are in my classroom. or other major problems I gave a consent form to be taken home to be signed by a parent. I found about 20 students with major problems, and about six have already been seen by the dentist. All of the dental work is provided free of cost to the students at the school. I have one more 6th grade class to screen on Monday, and then I will probably begin the 5th grade classes.
Yesterday afternoon, a lady was robbed, then murdered after saying her prayers at Stella Maris Catholic Church. Stella Maris is the most affluent Catholic Church in Kingston, and this murder comes as quiet a surprise to all of Kingston. The lady was walking of church when a man tried to steal her purse, she fought back, and he fatally stabbed her. Just this month, in two weeks time, 10 children got murdered. There is the now the question of the murder of the innocent. With all of this, two friends (both Americans (one was Meg)) have been robbed this week. I’m glad they didn’t fight back. Meg lost equivalent to US $15. I’m not sure how much the other girl lost. I remain to be
careful and lucky.
Today I had interesting chat with my students. Class was crazy as usual. Ironically, Adrian, one of the biggest trouble makers, told me that I can’t control the class (saying with a Jamaican accent “ya cyan’t control ya class”) and then proceeded to try to put the other students in line. I told Adrian that he is the one that I can’t control…and laughed. After waiting for my class to be quiet for about five minutes I finally decided I needed to ask my class if they ever feel like they are wasting time. Strangely, a couple answered yes. I tried to explain that it was time that all of my students stopped wasting their time and take advantage of the school here, and stop messing around and begin to try to learn. I ended class 45 minutes early and left. I’m not sure if anyone will even attempt to behave a little better, or learn something. At least I tried, I guess that’s the most important part.
Tomorrow, I think I’m headed to Dare to Care. Dare to Care is the home for Children that are HIV positive. Meg tells me that the
Kiddies at DTC
Lunch time at Dare to Care! kids have asked when I’m going to come back, and tomorrow seems like a good as day as any. If you would like to know more about the Dare to Care home check out the MVP 2005-2006 travel blog under Jamaica. Meg, the other volunteer, works there Monday thru Friday.
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Kelsey
non-member comment
it is very interesting about the prime minister( did i spell that right) the nhs basketball team is going to state! things are going well here im trying out for railiners tomorrow wish me luck Kelsey