Jamaica

I believe there is nothing so hot as that which has reached its boiling point. I fear that this could be the reason for the recent trouble that has erupted in the area of Tivoli Gardens in Kingston Jamaica. I have been feverishly weeding through the many and varied reports and have found to my dismay, that much of what is being circulated is based solely on rumor and has no factual merit. This sort of propaganda is merely fuel for the fire under a pot already boiling over. It is imperative that the truth be told and it hurts me to say that I am yet to find the whole truth. What I do know is, this began as a result of an extradition request, that violence erupted in retaliation to the signing of said request, which caused the issuance of travel advisories by the international community and most importantly innocent persons mainly children are being affected.

The extradition request for a resident of the Tivoli Gardens area to face multiple charges in the United States was delayed through court proceeding and legal technicalities for several months by the Jamaican Government most notably the Prime Minister. Only God knows the true reason for the delay but it is my belief that this delay for whatever reason gave those who opposed it ample time to prepare for what seems to be outright war. Starting with access roads to Tivoli being blocked and growing from there.

Police stations in and around the area were targeted, one was set on fire others reported being fired upon. What caused this turn, only those involved would be able to say but in return the Jamaica Armed forces were sent into the affected area in an effort to bring the uprising to an end which as we can safely surmise caused the outside World to sit up and take notice.

The fighting between those individuals and the Armed Forces drew national attention as the casualty rate slowly rose on both sides. As though the situation isn't bad enough, the misinformed along with those who choose not to verify or to question what they've heard have gone viral. Using Facebook, Twitter and Youtube as tools to spread information that is unsubstantiated or in some cases completely false. Much like the Chinese telephone game played as children, information spread, changing and in some cases taking on a life of its own, which resulted in travel advisories being issued from the USA, England and Canada. What those who choose to engage in propaganda fail to realise is they contribute to the compounding damage that the situation already has on those who live in the country.

It hurts my heart to see this beautiful country so divided, this situation will have a ripple effect because it will affect the tourist industry and much of the country depends on this industry to survive. However more painful is the reality that no matter how this ends, it will leave the children caught in the middle of it forever scarred. As anyone who is familiar with Jamaica knows, this is CXC time and the thought of children who live or attend schools in and around the affected area having to face the challenges of this turmoil when they are already on edge about sitting their exams breaks my heart.

This pot has been bubbling for more years than I can count but now that it has began to boil maybe it will be an opportunity for everyone in Jamaica to start fresh, back to the days of "One People" back to the days of "One Love" back to the days of being able to disagree without the need of violence, the days of an island united, an island of persons that not only said but believed the words of their pledge...

JAMAICA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Before God and All mankind.

I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart

The wisdom and courage of my mind,

The strength and vigour of my body

in the service of my fellow citizen.

I promise to stand up for justice,

Brotherhood and Peace,

to work diligently and creatively,

To think generously and honestly,

so that, Jamaica, may

under God, increase in beauty,

fellowship and prosperity,

and play her part

in advancing the welfare

of the whole human race.

...God Bless Jamaica
Deo Volente
May 26, 2010