In Jamaica

2012 and back for a brief visit....

2012-01-07T10:48:00.004-05:00

The beginning of a new year, a new government for Jamaica, and a brief visit in Kingston. It is delightful to be back and experience the familiar sounds and sights, and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of friends who are generously sharing their home with me whilst I am here.

There is a sense of hope emerging from the election, an election that was the most peaceful ever experienced. The country has a sense of pride in its maturity as it celebrates 50 years of independence and the level of crime has reduced significantly. There are huge challenges to face as the level of poverty continues to increase and the economy is in dire straits however there seems to be a willingness to explore solutions that will use the best ideas from all.

It is truly encouraging to see that hope is rising, that people are feeling a sense that they may be able to influence things and wrest the country back from the corruption and crime of recent decades. There is a very long way to go and much to struggle through but perhaps Jamaica can inch closer to unleashing the unlimited potential and achieving the promise that is here.

In visiting I am learning that Jamaica requires a full commitment. To be here and to be useful is to be here as a full participant, this was the opportunity I had during the time I was here with DRF. Jamaica absorbs ones full attention so it is bitter sweet to visit! I am no longer a contributing participant to this vibrant and engaging place, though wish I might be so again.

With this I wish Jamaica a new year that brings more peace and better lives for all. Happy New Year!

Last post from 5 Old Church Road

2011-05-18T06:58:00.006-05:00

This final week has been full and wonderful. I have been as busy as ever with work and also had time to say many goodbyes. This post is the last one I will write from my apartment on Old Church Road in Kingston. I hope it will not be the last post I write from Jamaica as the week has shown that there is still much to which I could contribute and many connections which will last beyond this Jamaican adventure.
Work-wise I seem to have managed a little of almost everything I have been involved in and, in the main, I am left with a feeling of gratification.

A hastily planned meeting on Monday confirmed the confidence the Ministry of Education has in the Youth Programme and I was left with the strong impression that they will institutionalise the programme and provide long-term funding as part of their student support system. Given this was one of the primary goals for my placement at DRF it is gratifying to feel it may well have been accomplished despite funding cutbacks at the MOE. I have one more task - to write the Terms of Reference for the School Suspension Intervention Programme Management Committee, the group that will be charged with managing the partnership between DRF and MOE and to develop the long term plan for the partnership. Goal #1 achieved!

Mid-week I provided implementation training for the teams that will be implementing the first seven Parents' Places. It was an exhilarating day. The teams came ready to work and by the end of the day it was evident that the concept to which I was first introduced in November will actually be on the ground within the next five months. Introducing the implementation framework has been a truly facilitating catalyst that has enabled the creators of the concept to talk to funders and providers in terms that clearly provide for a sustainable roll out. There continues to be development for the national roll out and I am looking forward to continuing to be available at least electronically, and perhaps even for the occasional consultation on-site! Parents' Places across the island have tremendous potential to provide support for parents of children of all ages and will be tailored to meet the needs of the particular communities in which they are operating.

Yesterday I went to the Eastern Peace Centre to see the progress there. It was a bitter/sweet visit as I heard that ten of the youth from the programme are now in vocational training programmes and four are headed back to school. All have got their TRN numbers (needed to get employment) and several are helping with the improvement of the Eastern Peace Centre. One however has not succeeded. He visited a couple of weeks ago and talked about his frustration in not being able to find a job. Last week he was engaged in an altercation in which he was stabbed, he then retrieved the knife and stabbed his assailant who died later in hospital. How often we tell the youth and the students that there is no such thing as a defensive weapon, that if weapons are used someone will likely be killed. This is the stark reality of the lives of too many youth here. One heated moment and life is changed forever. My heart goes out to the young, he had such simple ambitions centred on providing for his seven year old daughter. The young man is twenty.

More positively the project at the Eastern Peace Centre has led to the involvement of an established private business man and there is activity at the centre to improve the facility and develop a couple of small businesses which will provide employment within the community. The plans are achievable and the support is there as long as those involved keep focused. I have committed to helping in anyway I can through electronic communication. My proposal writing days may not be over!

I had a glorious day on Thursday as I drove out to Spanish Town to pick up a friend, the woman responsible for connecting with the women in Riverton for whom some funds were raised last December. Having picked her up we drove to her home in country, winding our way deep into Clarendon Parish climbing into the mountains. As we drove higher there were breath-taking views out over the Portmore Bight to the Caribbean Sea. The air was fresh with a cooling breeze that took the harshness of the heat out of the blazing sun. Her home is very modest with no runnning water and only brief access to electricity. Everything must be carried up the steep path to the house but once there it is a haven of peace and tranquility. We stopped a number of times on the journey; at the little shop to get water, in the village to catch up the local news, at the local primary school to talk to the principal and say hello to two of her grandchildren. At each stop there was leisurely exchange of greetings and news, no-one hurried and there was a marked concern for each other with inquiries about those who were struggling, whether the funeral planned last week had been as it should, if the child with the cast on his leg was managing well enough. I was invited in and enjoyed the privilege of being treated as one of the community. By the end of the visit I had met many people, received mangoes, oranges, grapefruit, cashew fruit, and many blessings. Country in Jamaica is a different life from city, it too has great hardships for most but the pervasive fear of violence is absent in most of the deep country communities and the gangs and powerbrokering do not play the part they do in the urban communities.
The mint tea was fresh and refreshing and the few hours atop the mountain, looking out over the many peaks and valleys to the sea, was restorative.

The weekend was spent in Barbados with my brother and his family and my nephew from England. What a contrast to life here! It was a delightful weekend spent mainly sailing in the Mount Gay Regatta, being invited into a very different life-style than the one in Clarendon, but no less welcoming and warm. The generosity of the Captain, and his family was lovely and the days spent with my brother delightful. A wise decision even though I couldn't get the super cheap flights "due to poltical and regulatory reasons"!

And tomorrow this remarkable journey ends. I will leave here taking with me so much more than I came with. It has been a journey full of lessons and learning, of meeting incredible people, of gaining an understanding of so many things for which I did not have a great enough appreciation. I will miss my life here, I will miss many of the people with whom I have found friendship and common purpose but will take with me the lasting relationships that are forged through sharing time, purpose and challenges. I cannot offer enough thanks to all who have been part of this journey and will be forever grateful for all it has given me. Nuff respec and walk good...

Report writing and reflection, concluding my work here.

2011-05-08T06:07:00.009-05:00

It has been a week of reflection but also a week in which new things have been started. Much of the week was spent at the Peace Centre, pulling together reports on my work in progress so that it can continue without interruption but I also spent two days working with the group of people who will implement Parents' Places, bringing them another step closer to realisation. The week provided a reminder that Jamaica is subject to the vagaries of nature as an earthquake shook many awake at 4:30 one morning.

Writing the final report for CUSO-VSO provided the opportunity for me to reflect on all that I have had the privilege of being involved in whilst here. The scope of activities has been broad and the number of people with whom I have had the opportunity to work has been large. From community-based initiatives to system-wide processes and from meetings with Ministers to working with youth, the opportunities have been far reaching. The report writing has served to remind me how many dedicate their work and how much effort is being put into improving the situation for those who are vulnerable. So many people are committed to making things different. The efforts are many and varied. I have been extremely fortunate to be invited to participate in so much and learn so much about this remarkable country.
The work people do is not easy and it is made more difficult by the lack of leadership from the government. As the country moves into an election year there is much discussion about the broken political system and ineffective bureaucracy. These are arenas in which it is acknowledged that change is urgently required but it would be naive to think that an easy task.

However, despite the barriers, there are changes and with concerted effort and a lot of creativity, pockets of change occur and improvements are made. I think Parents' Places will be one of the initiatives that will have the potential to create change. Not only because a network of community based parent resource centres, with information, support and parenting education has the potential to improve parenting practices, undoubtedly an important goal, but also because of the nature of the proposed network. A network of many small resource centres, each reliant on their own resources and supported by a structure that is aligned to support the community ownership of the centres has the potential to engage many and forge new relationships. The process so far has shown that people are willing to commit their time despite the absence of the National Parenting Support Commission, which the government has yet to create despite three years of commitment, planning and funding. The group working now has decided to move ahead and support the implementation of the first Parents' Places, rather than wait any longer. It will require considerable work but the individuals and their organisations have committed the time and the work has started. We spent 2 days this week working together to create a realistic implementation process given the limitations. It was a remarkable two days, in which the concepts and tools of implementation planning were taken, integrated and applied not only to the task at hand but also to other initiatives these individuals are involved in. Sometimes it is hard to keep up with people here!

With the Easter holiday over students are back at school and exams are starting. This leads to a drop in the number of students at the suspension programme and also demands much negotiation with schools to allow those who are suspended to take exams. It is interesting to see the difference in attitudes amongst schools, some that make every effort to enable the students to take the exams and others that are willing to jeopardise the entire school year for a student by lack of compromise and support. There is much discussion with the students to help them understand the part they have played in jeopardising their school year however, there is too much at stake should they miss their exams and the Youth Peace Facilitators do everything they can to ensure the students sit the exams.

Early Wednesday morning brought my first experience of an earthquake of some significance. At 4:30 as I was waking there was rumbling and the apartment building shook noticeably, moving my bed across the floor several inches. There have been 2 other tremors in the time I have been here but barely noticeable. This one however was of quite a different nature! It was brief and did not cause damage but in the 10 seconds of the event I was prompted to think about the best way out of the apartment, no mean task given grilles and locks for security, and whether I should leave. Luckily that was the extent of it and I was not challenged any further, but it was a strong reminder of the fact that in addition to other challenges, Jamaica, as many of the Caribbean Islands, faces a much higher incident of natural disasters than most places in the world. However, on these perfect and glorious mornings with blue skies, cumulus clouds and seemingly endless sunshine the potential of earthquakes and hurricanes seems very far away.

The week ahead will be one of goodbyes and conclusions, but will also include a brief trip to Barbados as I take advantage of proximity and cheap airfares to go and see the Bajan Brown's and visiting nephew from England. How appropriate that at the end of my time in this country of dichotomies my week will include one, the sadness of saying goodbye here and the joy of seeing family close by. I will then return after the weekend and have two days to pack up and leave and will be back in Toronto on May 19th. My next post will likely not be next Sunday but a few days later and it will be the last one from In Jamaica, for now!

Long weekend, long week.

2011-05-01T07:24:00.015-05:00

Easter weekend provided some much needed time to do final planning for the conference but also to take a day of respite. Although the week was then "short" it did not seem so with two days to get everything in place and then the conference for 3 days. The week ended with party time in Jamaica as J'ouvert is celebrated with street parties, parades and paint.

Having worked hard at ongoing conference preparations I decided Sunday as a day to take off and go adventuring. In the company of friends we set off with a map, sunscreen and a desire to find a quiet beach. Kingston is not a "beach" city and it is necessary to travel a little way to enjoy the Caribbean dream of sun, sand and turquoise sea. Typically I have travelled east to experience south coast beaches within a reasonable distance, this time we decided west would offer a new adventure, and we were not disappointed. With the navigator directing we headed out and left the major road as we entered Clarendon. Our route took us through Salt River in which we discovered an amazing mineral bath tucked behind mangrove trees. It was busy with families and swimmers and the cook houses and shops that surrounded it were getting ready to do brisk business. After a brief stop and chat with others enjoying a relaxing Sunday we carried on west and south toward the place indicated on the map as a beach - Jackson Point. The landscape changed as we drove as the place we had decided to find is at the base of the Portmore Bight, an unique swamp land on a peninsula that stretches south. Mangrove swamps with stunted trees, dense bushes and apparently many crocodiles. At the end of the road which was relatively reasonable, and past a few houses and farms we found the beach, which was nothing less than spectacular. A vast stretch of curving white sand, pristine and without litter or washed up garbage, the sea showing off the incredible colours of the Caribbean, with sandy bottom and a gradual grade that was perfect for swimming. There were no palms, but the bleached silver skeletons of trees washed up as a result of hurricanes. A constant breeze reduced the intensity of the sun and heat which though delightful, has the inherent risk of creating the illusion that the sun is not going to burn!
The day was glorious and restorative in preparation for the upcoming conference.

The conference was a success, though I think the cost both in staff morale and financially may prove to reduce the sense of success. Attendance was moderately greater than we had thought it would be at the beginning of the week ensuring that sessions were well attended. There were some wonderful contributions starting with the key note address that opened the conference. Justice Kokaram, Trinidad, spoke of the importance of ADR, the social implications of continuing down an adversarial path and energised everyone to engage and participate actively not only in the conference but in creating change across the Caribbean. The partnership with the Chartered Institute of Arbitration brought excellent contributions and enabled over 60 people to engage in arbitration training, and the development of Restorative Justice was positioned in a cultural context by Professor John Faris, University of South Africa.
The most challenging but in some ways most gratifying day for me was the day in which 300 youth from volatile communities attended. They brought with them an energy and the picture of another face of Jamaica, that was interesting and educational for all who attended. They did not attend without incident as might have been expected. There was a distinct aroma of ganja from the men's room during the lunch break, and tension between a crew from Spanish Town and a crew from Rose Town that prompted security to call the police. The advent of two police officers in flack jackets and toting very large automatic weapons certainly added a dimension that, though familiar in certain urban environments in Jamaica, was new to many at the conference. All was resolved without incident and the Inspector and police officers invited to see the session in which the youth were participating. Their experience was that 300 (or perhaps 294) youth were actively and positively engaged, manageable and productive, youth who they would typically be rounding up off the street corners. The day at the conference was a great contribution to the 'Young Man Nuh Linga' project.

J'ouvert is the celebration of the dawning of a new day and has been part of the Caribbean carnival celebration for centuries. The street parades and parties start late in the evening and continue through dawn as the "jour ouvert" is celebrated. There are bands and parties throughout, and in a city in which wandering through the streets until dawn may usually be ill-advised J'ouvert provides the best of Caribbean street celebrations! Bands and music at decibels guaranteed to damage ones hearing, throngs of people of all ages, colours and nationalities, and the requisite "painting"! One of the traditions of J'ouvert is that one gets covered in paint by people moving through the crowds. The origin of this is thought to be from the days of slavery when participants needed to disguise themselves as slaves were not permitted to join large gatherings. Several of the international presenters ventured out to explore the celebrations and apparently enjoyed dawn on the streets and will treasure paint covered t-shirts as a memento of partying in Kingston!

With the conference over and May arrived my focus is on completing and transferring my work here. I am sure it is going to be a difficult three weeks despite the prospect of exciting opportunities ahead. Kingston, the people and the work here have unquestionably captivated me. Part of the task of the next three weeks will be ensuring this is not a conclusive goodbye, but the beginning of a different and continuing involvement with those at risk from the more difficult facets of life in Jamaica.

Conference, curfew and caches

2011-04-24T07:47:00.006-05:00

This week was a short week and had a holiday feel to it as schools closed mid-week for the Easter Break. Work included daily focus on re-jigging (a term apparently not typically used here!) the conference, sorting out how to bring youth to the conference when their community is under curfew and the first meeting of the Interim Technical Support Team for Parents' Places.

The 5th Caribbean Conference continues to dominate my work and final changes were completed this week. The numbers are somewhat smaller than had been hoped for but with some re-organising the conference should not only provide many stimulating presentations and discussions but should also break even financially. With presenters and participants from South Africa, Trinidad, Barbados, Haiti, Guyana, St Lucia, North America and Jamaica the scope and international applications of ADR should well illustrated.

One of the challenges that emerged for the conference planning this week is how to include 100 youth who are scheduled to attend Day Two when their community is under curfew. The youth day of the conference is bringing together 300 youth from 10 volatile communities. It is part of a year-long project, "Young Man Nuh Linga", that DRF has been involved with funded by Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the Japanese funding to reduce violence(JSIF/JAVA). The project has focused on "unattached youth" or "corner youth", terms applied to young men who are not in school or do not have legitimate employment and gather on the "corners" in the poorest communities. They can project a somewhat menacing aura and are frequently connected to loosely formed gangs with access to guns. In Rose Town the police recently put a curfew in place as the violence and gang activity had flared. This is one of the communities from which the youth are scheduled to attend so, added to the challenge of organising score of youth unaccustomed to being organised is the difficulty of getting them through the curfew barriers. This will be no mean task as the police will see many of the youth as those that they associate with the threat. In addition a significant cache of arms was recently discovered in the community and the consequence of this is yet uncertain.

The last working day of the week brought the happy occurrence of the delivery of the cheque from the Ministry of Education, 2 months late but better late than never! This provides the funding for the youth programme until July 31st and the foundation for discussion of continued funding. It has taken more time and there have been more barriers than I anticipated but I think the extension of the programme for over a year and the indication that the Ministry will fund it suggests I have achieved one of the primary goals of my placement at DRF. The programme offers a tremendous option for the increasing numbers of students being suspended from school as well as having a broader influence that offers education and modelling for a changing attitude towards youth and discipline. Being "seen and not heard", the dominant approach to children, is a short-sighted and risky approach to the largest population cohort in the country. They intend to be heard and it will be essential that they are given legitimate and productive channels through which to be heard.

The inaugural meeting of the Interim Technical Support Team for Parents' Places met this week. Seven committed individuals have come together to learn about and then support the implementation of the first Parents' Places. The applications are available for review, the process sketched out and the first intentional implementation process is being tested. Support for them will come from Parenting Partners Caribbean and the Ministry of Education has accepted that it is the logical ministry in which to ground the network of parent support resource centres. It feels very exciting to have contributed to moving this project from concept to reality and I am hopeful this will be a sustainable endeavour. I also hope I can continue to contribute with the help of Skype and perhaps the occasional return visit!

Easter Sunday morning finds me back at my apartment and enjoying a very quiet weekend in the city. Being uncertain as to what the demands might have been for conference preparation (there are only 2 working days left before the event) I chose not to make plans to go away. The city is delightful on a long weekend as it is quiet, a rare occurrence here! In a place where the weather is relatively constant this weekend has provided picture perfect Caribbean weather - endless sun, a gentle breeze in the middle of the day, glorious sunsets and warm nights. The day may yet see me find a beach for some relaxation!

Press, Parliament and conference count-down.

2011-04-17T07:36:00.017-05:00

Another sunny Sunday morning and once again in the garden. The week has included a press launch, the resumption of Parliament, the conference, the ongoing work to support Eastern Peace Centre, the youth programme as well as a brush with bureaucracy and another volunteer farewell.

House-sitting has had the added pleasure of the company of the long-time family help from Mo-bay who came to stay for the week to take care of things during the day. Having someone stay at the house promoted me to think of a bill board past which I walk daily. It is an advertisement for a security firm and states "you are never alone". How true that is for most in Jamaica. Solitary time is something rarely experienced as always there is family or household support at home, engagement from those sharing the street if one is walking or driving, and the concern for ones safety and well being that prompts advice or instructions if walking or travelling alone. Sharing space is done with ease and comfort and seems to require little effort.

On Wednesday the Press Launch for the 5th Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution was held at the Mona School of Business, UWI. It was quite well attended and promoted both a piece in the Gleaner and radio interviews about DRF, alternative dispute resolution and the conference. As we are still struggling to register the required number of participants it is hoped that the coverage will generate some activity. By the end of the week I had re-jigged the budget and the anticipated number of attendees and found a way for the conference to break even but it will require a concerted effort over the next ten days!The press conference was strategically timed to avoid competing with the opening of parliament on Thursday and we were fortunate to achieve the coverage we wanted.

Parliament opened with great pomp and ceremony. With Guards of Honour in full dress uniform, a display of wonderful hats and outfits and much tradition, it was an elegant spectacle. The parliamentarians have received a considerable amount of criticism for their behaviour and language in the House debates and there is hope that they will act with more decorum during this session. Some things seems to be consistent regardless of country and culture! The session will be interesting as it is the beginning of the positioning for the next election and there is interest to see if the tribal politics and the relationship with the gangs will demonstrate itself differently in the next election given the changes experienced through the incursion in Tivoli.

Things have been busy at the youth programme with the number of students being suspended increasing once again. The opportunity to meet with parents as they bring their children to the programme is invaluable and, as everywhere, there is a range in the capacity of parenting skills. On Friday I was confronted with a very difficult situation, a well-educated, well-spoken parent who when asked could not find a single positive attribute about his son, and repeatedly reminded us he was a teacher and knew about development and behaviour. The level of control he maintained, even of this brief interview was quite disturbing. The son was clearly trying to engage and ask for help, something his father was clearly reluctant to allow him to do. There are so few resources here to help parents and children work through the difficult tasks of parenting in this challenging society and this exchange once again illustrated for me the enormous value that parenting support and education could provide. Parenting can be be difficult in the most peaceful and stable societies, in a society in as much turmoil and with as many contradictions as this one it is even more challenging.

Friday brought a visit to Eastern Peace Centre from a major Jamaican business man and a representative of the International Development Bank. The visit was initiated by a young woman here on a Fulbright scholarship who has regularly visited the centre in the last few months. The potential of the facility and the role it could play in the community seemed to be appreciated by these visitors and I am hopeful that if we can provide them with a clear vision and set of ambitions for the centre and possible programmes there may well be support provided. Setting up a web of linkages and pursuing every opportunity is critical. The visit has added another, but very welcome task, to my list of things to complete before I leave in the middle of May!

My brush with Jamaican bureaucracy has not yet arrived at a resolution but I am hopeful it will do so early in the week. The bureaucratic processes in Jamaica are infamous for the slow pace, intransigent control, the lack of logic and value and the complete inability to circumvent it if one is not in an influential or powerful position. In fairness, having dealt with immigration, work permits, customs, banks and utilities I have not had any difficulties until this week. But getting a package into the country is looking like quite a challenge. It is a package of minimal monetary value, a package of tokens for me to leave when I say goodbye however neither its low value or insignificance in terms of importance seems to carry any sway. The bureaucracy requires me to have Tax Registration Number and I don't have one! I am working on the alternatives but the officials with whom I am working could be commended for their steadfast and unshakable commitment to the rules, there is no help being offered from that quarter!

From mid-April to mid-may three volunteers will be leaving. The dinner to thank and celebrate the most recent returnee was at lovely group of restaurants, The Marketplace, in Kingston. It was a good evening with warmth and appreciation in abundance. It is remarkable to see the wealth of experience that these events bring together as all the current CUSO-VSO volunteers are present, and just how many people commit their time and expertise to international development.

Having had a hectic week yesterday I decided to take an evening trip to Port Royal to watch the sunset and relax in the quiet of the small sleepy town at the end of the Pallisadoes. Port Royal was known as the "wickedest and most sinful city in the world" before 1692 when much of it ended up underwater as a result of a major earthquake, an event often cited as God's retribution for the sinners. From a local waterside restaurant one can look north back over Kingston Harbour to the city and the mountains. The sun sets behind the majesty of the layers and layers of mountains which are usually adorned with clouds that change colour in the deepening dusk. It is a peaceful way to end the day and an easy drive to find some quiet close to this constantly noisy city.

From the garden

2011-04-10T07:35:00.014-05:00

The end of another week and time is going much too quickly. This week has been focused on the 5th Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution. In addition some time with UNICEF as they gather input to inform their next 5 year country plan and facilitating the ongoing work for the Building Organisational Capacity at DRF.

The 5th Caribbean Conference has continued as a source of increasing concern as the planning and promoting continues to have a level of disorganisation that is somewhat debilitating. Slowly but surely the number of registered participants is increasing and the media promotion is also planned for much activity in the upcoming week. For a stretched and struggling NGO to add to its responsibilities the planning, funding and hosting of a 3 day international conference was very ambitious. However, there is no question that it is this level of ambition and drive that has led to the success of DRF over the 16 years of its development. The passion and commitment for promoting and practising alternative dispute resolution in a country in which "resolution" of disputes has typically assumed one of two methods - escalation to violence within moments with dire consequences, or court action which takes years to achieve settlement - is truly commendable and the influence DRF has had is remarkable.

Over the last 16 years mediation and arbitration services have expanded enormously; legislation has been passed that requires all civil matters that go to the Supreme Court be diverted to mediation before being addressed in court; restorative processes and practices are being implemented in communities across the nation with the support of the Ministry of Justice; schools and communities have adopted conflict resolution education and mediation for youth; and much of this movement can be attributed to the tireless activity of the DRF and its founding Board and CEO as they have engaged partners, trained practitioners and never shied away from ambitious plans!

This year is the transition year for many international development funding agencies. The many and various branches of UN development activity, UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP and others, operate on five year funding cycles. The objectives and goals of the upcoming five years for each, country and region are developed in partnership with the governments and NGOs of the country being funded. It is an extensive planning process that is challenging when funding is diminishing and needs increasing. Narrowing the focus to one or two key areas of focus, and then developing objectives and measurable indicators takes time and a great deal of effective facilitating. It is not easy to determine what will be the key areas that may drive the most effective change processes but it is interesting and stimulating to be included in the discussions. This process will continue for another month or so and then the next round of refinement will start.

My other area of activity this week has been the DRF/CUSO-VSO five year partnership project in which all the volunteers at DRF are involved. It is time for me to pass over leadership of the process to another volunteer and in doing so help develop the next steps. The Advisory Group had a very productive discussion this week, and through reviewing activities to date recognised that there have been some significant accomplishments achieved which have laid a solid foundation for the next set of actions. There are some clear directions and areas for the next steps and some enthusiasm from both staff and volunteers to take on the changes. The process remains a source of interest for CUSO-VSO as it demonstrates a new approach to capacity building. Instead of sending an individual volunteer into an organisation focused on a single area this project has engaged a group of volunteers in one organisation and approached capacity building by developing an integrated plan working on multiple areas at one time. Over the five years the expertise of the volunteers will reflect the changing needs of the organisation. There are risks and challenges as positioning 5 or 6 volunteers within a workforce of 35 is a significant number, the transitional nature of the volunteers requires they move in and out with an intentional and effective turnover process, the volunteers involved all need to come with a level of understanding of organisational change and a willingness to work with a collective approach. The meeting this week suggested the future looks bright for the project and the commitment of the volunteer who will assume leadership is going to be very helpful.

The week has ended with me assuming house-sitting responsibilities again. I am sitting in the garden which is in full bloom. The noises, instead of cars, buses and motorcycles, are those of the birds, the tree frogs and the palm fronds clacking in the very gentle breeze. I am distracted by the humming birds and lizards whose fleeting movements keep catching my eye. The sky is a perfect azure blue without a cloud in sight and at 8 in the morning it is already hot and very bright. I wonder at the subtlety of the change of seasons here, the colour of the greens, the change of humidity in the air, the change of the breezes, the blossoms and fruits as they come and go. One of the biggest differences for me is the lack of urgency in the seasons. Where there are great changes there always feels to be some urgency to make the most of each (or for me some urgency about wishing away the season for which I have no appreciation - winter!) Where there is more constancy that urgency is not present. It is more than likely the sun will shine tomorrow, the air will be warm and whatever I have planned will be possible, not withstanding the occasional hurricane or tropical storm that may emerge between July and October! Among the many things I will miss, I will miss this tropical climate.

From contracts to coast

2011-04-03T07:04:00.020-05:00

Another full week with the Youth Programme, the Burgher Project and the 5th Caribbean Conference, a surprise birthday party, social time with project partners, CHAMPS, and the weekend on the north coast.

The youth programme is back in full swing again with the numbers of students attending on the rise. Developing the interim contract with the Ministry of Education has been a trying process though that they have found funding, even if only until the end of July, is remarkable given their current constraints. The advantage of the interim contract is that it gives us a basis upon which to determine the possibility for institutionalising the programme and what will be realistic. Having finally signed off on the interim funding we must now go back to the table and open discussions about a long term future plan. It may be possible to invite UNICEF back to the table which would be of great assistance.
The other direction that I must find time to explore further before I leave is discussion with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of National Security with respect to adapting the programme as a diversion programme for youth in conflict with the law. CIDA has funding set aside for the reform of the justice system which includes establishing a diversion programme and setting the wheels in motion could be a good beginning to developing another useful application of the programme.

I spent much of the week at the Eastern Peace Centre continuing the interviews with the participants and helping plan the culminating retreat. I will gather up all the information over the next two weeks and prepare a report and, I hope, additional funding proposals, to enable the improved replication of the project in other volatile communities. A key activity over the next few weeks will be to ensure the relationships with the Eastern Peace Centre and the organisations that the participants have established continue beyond the project. This will be challenging but essential in achieving a key outcome of the project. As the project was designed as a catalyst for change the proof of its success will be the activity beyond the project. That being said there is no doubt that the three months have been valued and appreciated by the participants. They have felt a sense of purpose in their days, have been stimulated by challenging discussions and experienced friendship and team work developed on a positive foundation. They have learned from the two facilitators that there is an alternative way to feel connected and useful other than being part of a gang.
The group is currently at a small, very modest hotel on the beach at Negril for their culminating retreat. The extent of their collective experience outside Kingston is the occasional visit one or two of them have had with relatives in the country. No-one has been to the north coast, no-one has been on holiday, no-one had stayed in a hotel, including the assistant Youth Peace Facilitator. Apparently the journey to Negril was a little challenging as they had not anticipated what it would feel like to drive for five hours! However there was great value in them seeing the extent and the beauty of the island upon which they live. Whatever else the weekend achieves it has already provided a new perspective for the participants - there are places beyond the zinc alleys that boundary their community and sometimes their imaginations.

Planning for the conference continues with a sustained level of activity to try to accomplish all that needs to be accomplished over the next month. Most of the pieces are in place and what we must focus on now is getting participants to register. With a month to go the registration to date sits as 20% of the required number but I have been assured that people always leave registering the to last minute and there is a level of confidence amongst the planning group that we will succeed in registering the break even number. I can confidently say this has not been the most enjoyable or rewarding of my activities at DRF though one that has promoted much personal growth as I learn to trust all will come together. I hope my contribution has been helpful!

Socially the week has also been a busy one. On Wednesday I went to a surprise birthday party which proved to be a wonderfully warm and celebratory evening. The event was engineered by the daughter of the birthday woman and in a city where there really are no secrets she managed to pull it off as a complete surprise -the last minute planning thing works in favour of certain circumstances! There were three generations of family and guests and connections across the globe, as most had worked and lived in other places but all chosen to return and settle in Jamaica. In addition to honouring a wonderful woman, the evening illustrated one of the best facets of Jamaica, "Out of Many One People", and the passionate love of the country despite the impact of the political tribalism.
Another evening was spent with colleagues from The Way Out project, the UN Women funded project in which DRF is partnering with the Bureau of Women's Affairs. There has been months of hard work to get the project on the ground but it is now moving forward with a clear plan. It was a lovely idea provide an opportunity to bring together those that have been and will be working closely on the project for a time that was for enjoying time together and not working. Good food, games and a balmy evening made for a very enjoyable time.

The city was full of flags and old school spirit this week as it was CHAMPS week. Excellence in track and field is a national trait and the Jamaica's track and field success at the Olympics is unquestionably nurtured at CHAMPS. The standards achieved at this Secondary School competition are exceptional and it generates a great sense of enthusiasm and energy that is infectious. There are parades of student as whole schools walk to the National Stadium to support their athletes, street hawkers add school flags of all colours and sizes to their wares for sale, cars display standards, adults bring out their old school ties and wear them to work. The competition is fierce but the general sense is one of festivity and celebration because for whoever wins or loses this year, there is always next year, proven by the 101 years the competition has run! Congratulations to this year's winners, Jamaica College (boys) and Homewood (girls), and to all the competitors and supporters who make it such a wonderful event.

After all the excitement of the week, the weekend finds me on the north coast, in part to work (to spend time at the culminating weekend for the Burgher Gully Project) but also to relax in Mo-Bay and enjoy a little time away from the city. The drive up was a lovely as ever as I chose the north coast road that hugs the Caribbean for over three hours between St Mary and Negril, through seaside towns bustling with Saturday market activity, the sun blazing down on a turquoise Caribbean Sea. It is a very different Jamaica from the dense urban environment of Kingston. The country looks verdant and fertile with fruit and foliage. Along the route are endless fruit stands with a colourful variety of fruit an vegetables, fish stands with crab, lobster, snapper (red and grey) parrot fish and more, and of course smokey jerk stops with the tantalising smell of barbequing chicken, pork, lamb and sausage. There is no need to go hungry if you live in the country! It is lovely to sit and enjoy the breeze, the sun, the quiet and the sea and recharge for the next week in the city.

Cloudless skies

2011-03-27T08:49:00.019-05:00

The week has gone quickly absorbed by time at the Burgher Gully Project, 5th Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution planning and ending with greeting the new CUSO-VSO arrivals as five more volunteers join our growing team. The days have started with cloudless skies, a delightful beginning to each day.

The Burgher Gully Project is fast drawing to a close and I spent time with the group and with individuals this week. I am interviewing each of the youth to explore what has been the most important aspect of the programme for them, what should have been there that wasn't and what will be next.
I completed six interviews and already themes are emerging. The most important aspect appears to have been providing a safe and productive place for them to go in a community in which their alternative is hanging out on the corners. Access to adults whose focus is their best interest and whose attention is the development of additional skills for the participants is also emerging as important. We have not provided enough remedial help for reading, a critical learning for the programme as many of the youth are functionally illiterate.
Of interest to me was that of the six youth I have interviewed, five perceived themselves as having "completed" high school with either a Grade Nine high school certificate or a Grade 11 high school certificate and only subsequently discovered that this level of education was of little or no value in advancing to gainful employment given their literacy level. Of the six the one young woman I interviewed was clear and articulate about her gains. She has moved from hiding in her house and not interacting with anyone to attending every day and being ready to go and further her education. She is one of the few with CXCs (the national exam that provide "subjects") Having "subjects" is an acknowledged indicator of school success and has the potential to open some job doors. She is now feeling more confident and next week will complete application forms for various taining programmes, jobs and volunteer exeriences.
Another emerging theme is the propensity for the staff to do things for the youth as opposed to encouraging the youth to do things on their own with the support of the staff. For example the Assistant Youth Peace Facilitator has created a resume for each youth rather than getting each youth to develop his/her own resume. This is a theme I will explore with the staff as it is critical we teach the youth to take initiative and ask for support.
Taking initiative is not promoted in the education system here, with a much higher value placed on compliance, and that is a subject that could be explored from the perspective of the impact on the functioning of the Jamaican society!
I am feeling there are some clear directions in which I can re-write and improve the programme to submit for funding from UNICEF and other funders and foundations. So much to do, so little time!

The 5th Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution is moving forward. From months of inactivity and frustration on my part at my inability to get those committing to tasks to actually do them, the urgency of the time crunch (the conference is scheduled for April 28, 29, 30) seems to have motivated everyone. Two weeks ago I articulated my concern that we really were not going to pull this off. However, significant gains have been made this week, speakers confirmed, participants signed up, budget plan finalised, conference bags ordered,the conference team expanded. We still need 450 participant days to be paid for to cover the budget but the CEO is optimistic this will be achieved. This exercise has been the most graphic demonstration of the dissonance between my planning methodology and expectations and the DRF organisation cultural norm! It has challenged my ability sustain a facilitative role. It has challenged one of my learnings from the last eighteen months, that in Jamaica if the decision is to do something it will get done, despite all appearances otherwise and the apparent impossibility to pull it off. But the week has enabled me to retrieve my faith and I am now almost convinced we will pull this off!
Your help would be appreciated - please register at http://www.drfja.org/

Last evening was spent enjoying dinner and conversation with the new volunteers who had arrived over the last four days. They come from Ghana, Trinidad/Tobago, and the east and west coasts of Canada. Their enthusiasm and curiosity about the contribution they will be able to make to the organisations they are joining was delightful. They bring expertise in human rights, human resources, court management services and victim support. It was interesting for those of us who have been here for a while to have an opportunity to share some of our learnings and experiences, however, it was also a reminder that new volunteers are arriving because some of us are preparing to leave. I find much of my work and discussion is now framed by transferring responsibilities to others and ensuring that my transition does not impact the potential of the work to continue to move forward. As yet there is no Youth Advisor identified to assume my responsibilities, but there is a great Youth Programme team whose commitment will facilitate continuity.

Therein lies the essence of my week. Each day has started with a cloudless blue sky, unusual here as typically there are clouds amassing either over the mountains or over the sea even at the beginning of the day, in the dry season often to dissipate. The morning brings cooler air until the sun rises over the mountains, but by 7:30 as I am walking from Crossroads south east down Camp Road directly into the rising the sun it is already burning hot. The late morning and early afternoon often brings strong hot breezes that offer a little reprieve from the heat of the mid-day sun when shadows are almost non-existent The mango trees are now laden with fruit, trees that have blossomed begin to show new foliage as the summer takes hold. Birds and butterflies and mosquitoes are prolific. The fruit vendors offer bags of sweet apples, star apples, sour sop and naisberries as they wander up and down between the traffic. Every other day there is the late afternoon deluge, sometimes where I am but often in the near distance. The rain can be remarkably localised, drenching one area and missing another completely. I can frequently avoid the deluge by route or timing. I have also acquired the Jamaican habit of not going out into the rain, though not going in if caught in the rain. My umbrella returns as my steady companion, and I have acquired some skill in determining at the beginning of the day if it will be a day that brings rain or not. And as more evidence of having become a part of this wonderful place my walk to and from work always includes greetings and chats with familiar faces, often students who have been at the programme who greet me as "Auntie Jacquie" and assure me as we chat, that they are keeping out of trouble! There is much I am going to miss.

Next week I will continue with interviewing the youth at the Burgher Gully project and moving all the areas in which I am involved into transition planning. Six weeks seems little time to wrap up all that I have been involved in here, and also feels like too little time left!

Fish Fry, funding and the future...

2011-03-20T07:20:00.008-05:00

A diverse week, touching base with various different projects and back to the task of finding funding. Much of what I am engaged with at the moment is positioning things for the future which serves to remind me of close how it is to the time at which I will no longer live here.

Negotiations with the Ministry of Education continue. The funding for the youth programme is assured until the end of July and the discussions have illustrated that MOE has been quite creative in enabling this funding. Support has come from several people and particularly one young man at the Ministry who has diligently worked through, and continues to work through, the bureaucratic maze to make sure the funding is flowed. There are still hoops to jump through however slowly but surely the cheque is getting closer to the DRF bank account! The next disucssions are about securing funding for the integration of the programme on a long term basis.

In the meantime the programme continues to operate, with a particularly busy period for the Spanish Town programme. There is much unrest in Spanish Town at the moment with one of the gangs being very active and violent. Although the students may not be attached to the gang, the increased tension in the community increases tensions and anxiety throughout and both school personnel and students tend to be more reactive, resulting in increased incidents and altercatons and increased suspensions.

In the midst of this one of the headlines in the Gleaner early in the week when reporting on the upcoming fiscal year, reported that the largest budget cuts will be in the education budget. Reducing access to education and support for children and youth seems a very shortsighted strategy in a country that has experienced quickly increasing incidents of violence in schools, high number of suspensions and expulsions, and significantly reduced success levels in the last number of years. The government's perspective on education is critical and how it distributes its budget illustrates its priorities. Education and youth are clearly not on the agenda as a priority for the current Jamaican government.

The Parents' Places proposal for implementation is being refined by Parenting Partners Caribbean in the hopes that the government and UNICEF will continue to support the initiative having funded the development of the concept. It would be disappointing to see the tremendous work that has been invested in developing the concept go to waste for lack of support to put it on the ground. The level of commitment from the group of people who have come together over the last three months continues to be high and with a quite modest additional investment the beginning of a potentially successful approach could be made a reality so there is reason for optimism.

The computers funded as part of the Burgher Gully project arrived this week and will be one of the long term legacies of the project. The computer lab was buzzing with activity when I visited the centre and not only will this give computer access to the youth involved in the programme it will allow the Peace Centre to operate an accessible computer lab for the local community.

On Friday the Burgher Gully youth hosted a fish fry at Eastern Peace Centre to raise funds for their final retreat. The youth were responsible for planning, marketing and helping with the cooking and serving so had the opportunity to learn many skills. The fry was successful, though given the nature of the community there was a fair amount of "credit" extended as people came to the centre for their lunch or dinner! The accounting will be done next week as we meet and make plans for the final two weeks of the project and evaluate the success of the project. I am continuing to write proposals to build on the beginning the project has made and hope to submit them in the next couple of weeks.

Already one of the secondary outcomes of the project has already materialised, the Eastern Peace Centre has become an active and vibrant hub in this volatile community and the computer lab will assist in this continuing. One of the local "informal community leaders", who has a role in managing the space, is there daily endorsing the establishment of peace and supporting the youth to engage in constructive and productive community involvement.

The Manatt/Dudus enquiry continues with Prime Minister Bruce Golding currently being questioned. The level of cynicism increases as the enquiry progresses! It would appear no-one believes the truth will be told, from taxi drivers to professors, from higglers to business owners there is a consistent belief that the enquiry will cost a great deal of money, lawyers will profit, nothing will be learned or gained and no-one will be held accountable! It is, however, the number one topic of conversation and continues to be broadcast daily on radio and television.

My week ended at the 60th birthday celebration of a colleague and friend from DRF. It was lovely to be included in the celebration and to be part of the group of close friends and family gathered to recognise and honour her for the wonderful woman she is. There was much conversation about the changes that Jamaica and Jamaicans have experienced over the last 60 years, and much laughter about the outfits worn in the sixties when we were teenagers! It seems Mary Quant even influenced teenagers in Kingston and acquiring and managing mini-skirts in this very conservative country took some creativity! It was a wonderful evening and the friendship will extend well beyond my tenure here.

Next week will be focused on linking with key personnel at the Ministry of Education and a concerted effort at finalising the planning for the 5th Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution.

Celebrating Women, recognising gender

2011-03-13T07:54:00.009-05:00

Given the Centenary of International Women's Day the focus this week has been on women, but also gender. The topic promotes active and animated discussions in this country in which gender roles are so clearly defined and yet so complicated. It was a week in which I had little time at the Youth Programme as three of the five days were spent at workshops and one day was a holiday - Ash Wednesday but at the end of the week we did receive significant news from the Ministry of Education - the cheque is waiting to be picked up!

International Women's Day was celebrated with recognitions and music, stories of sadness and remarkable achievements. I started the day at the Violence Prevention Alliance Jamaica which chose to dedicate its monthly meeting to the recognition of eight women who have had remarkable impact on their communities. Each was given the opportunity to tell her story and each story was a testiment to strength, determination, quiet leadership, and the unflinching will to defeat the violence surrounding her. These are not women who have joined the traditional ranks of power and influence, they are not women whose experience is the privilege of class, the best schools and uptown connections. They are women whose life circumstances could have defeated them but didn't, who chose to respond to adversities and violence with courage and conviction often risking their own lives. Women who have clearly stated that the violence cannot continue and have committed their lives to changing their communities. I cannot do justice to their stories and lives but honour them and thank them for who they are, how they live and what I can learn from them.

The day ended at a more formal event organised by the Bureau of Women's Affairs and the team that is responsible for the most recent project at DRF - The Way Out. It was truly a celebration of women, with greetings and speeches from many, performances from community theatre groups and dancers, and supported by many incredible Jamaican artists recognising the role strong women have played in their lives. It was energising and uplifting and brought the crowd to its feet many times.

The three days spent at the CUSO-VSO Gender Workshop was time well spent. With other volunteers, representatives from CUSO-VSO Latin America and the Caribbean, and representatives from the partner organisations with which we work, the days were spent examining the effectiveness of the training and support given to deployed volunteers, the policies and practices of CUSO-VSO and the other oganisations and the balance between promoting gender equity as a visiting worker and respecting the predominant culture of the countries and organisations in which we work. The discussions were informative and challenging and the days included much laughter and learning.

The dichotomies of Jamaica are clearly evident in the gender discussion. Within the institutional power structures men are unquestionably dominant in a society whose government and attitudes illustrate an irrefutably patriarchal and paternalistic approach, however in the family no-one wields more power and influence than Granny or Mummy! It is a country in which girls are outshining boys academically at every level, leading to a tertiary distribution of gender that is 85% female to 15% male. Middle management is fast becoming dominated by women but upper management remains the domain of men. And yet in the lower socio-economic spheres women still have children in the belief that the obligations of fatherhood will ensure they, as mothers, will be economically supported despite consistent evidence to the contrary. Regardless of socio-ecomomic level many women still define themselves within the context of their relationship to a man, the absence of a consistent and ecomonically supportive male figure being seen as a failure of the woman.

It is complicated and discussions are fraught with cultural and social pitfalls but this did not seem to deter the discussions within the safety of the workshop and it was as stimulating few days.

Ash Wednesday offered an opportnity to head to the beach mid-week and spend a lovely and relaxing day with friends. We were not the only ones who felt a day at the beach was a good way to spend a holiday and it was fun to run into other friends, be entertained by music from the local community festival at an adjacent beach and watch the universality of children's play in the sand and sea!

At the end of the week we received extremely encouraging news. The Ministry of Education has prepared the cheque to support the School Suspension Intervention Programme until the end of the school year and asked to meet to develop a plan for continued partnership. At many levels this suggests good reason for optimism. The students will continue to have a safe and respectful place to go to when suspended from school and the continued opportunity to develop different strategies to resolve conflicts, the schools will continue to benefit from the approaches promoted by the Peace and Justice Centres which will contribute to institutional change in the schools, and the Youth Peace Facilitators will continue to be remunerated for their dedication to learning, teaching and supporting. The major focus of my placement here has been to institutionalise the youth programme through sustained funding, refinining the programme and broader access across the island, and the news at the end of the week suggests this has the potential to be achieved.

So I approach next week with that note of optimism and will focus on the work with the Ministry of Education and spending moretime with the Burgher Gully Project.

Peace Week

2011-03-06T08:17:00.007-05:00

This week is Peace Week, though for the whole month particular attention is focused on gaining peace in Jamaica, and I attended two events of a completely different nature to promote peace and an undertanding of the violence in Jamaica. I also attended events to invite funding proposals and a wonderful dance performance presented by the Jamaica Dance Umbrella, an annual event dedicated to the memory of Professor Rex Nettleford.

The first event to promote peace was at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus and was a lecture presented by the Violence Prevention Alliance to celebrate Professor Barry Chevannes, a well-loved, respected and tremendously dedicated UWI professor who died late last year. I had the opportunity to get to know him a little when involved in planning last year's Peace Event sponsored by the Violence Prevention Alliance. Professor Chevannes tirelessly worked towards establishing peace in Jamaica through academic pursuits, through music and through every facet of his life. He was confident that Jamaica can attain peace and realise its tremendous potential. The lecture was a series of presentations from various perspectives but all reflected the optimism that Professor Chevannes demonstrated. From the story of Trench Town told by one of my colleagues at DRF showing changes over 4 years that led to no murders in the community in 2010, to a programme developed for primary school children in which those children needing the greatest support participate in an enrichment programme based on resiliency principles and delivered by volunteers, younger (university students) and older (recent retirees). The stories illustrate what can be done with community-based, inexpensive interventions and the key seems to be supporting community ownership.
The other two presentations illustrated that there is still a long way to go. The Women's Media Watch presented a powerful edudrama on the victimisation of young women and local human trafficking. Raising awareness that as a result of the informal "war" boundaries between communities young women can be moved from one community to another, even if they are in very close proximity, and ostensibly "disappear" from their families. The lecture was concluded by a presentation by Dr Elizabeth Ward, a wonderful physician who dedicates more time and energy to working on peace than seems humanly possible. As a physician, she saw the results of the violence and became determined to make a difference, not only in assisting to heal the wounds but to focus on preventing the wounds through a public health approach. She has recently promoted the use of GIS mapping to illustrate and inform how to develop prevention plans.

The second event was the Peace Advocacy Event at the Eastern Peace Centre. Through the connections of the Youth Peace Facilitator a number of well known local artistes committed their time to performing and many local schools were invited. The youth involved in the Burgher Boyz Project had spent a great deal of time and energy tidying and sprucing up the Centre for the event. Their ambition was to host a day long event that would bring students through the day and other community members into the evening. As is typical there was a huge sound system shipped in and a DJ who had also donated his time. The sound emanating from the centre attracted many people to come and explore what was going on, though the down side was that for those of us who have not yet accommodated the propensity to incredibly loud music, it was dififculty to talk with others! This was the first time the youth had developed an event and it was interesting to struggle with using it both as an event and a learning experience. We will talk about the successes and the challenges next week as they apply the learnings from this to the employment expo they will be planning for two weeks from now. I left them to continue on into the evening and celebrate bringing the community together peacefully.

The two calls for proposals for funding, one from Jamaica Social Invetsment Fund (JSIF) and the EU, the other from USAID, whilst opportunities, both illustrated some of the flaws and difficulties presented by international development funding.
The application process for the EU funds made available through JSIF is so onerous the organisations and communities for whom the funds are targeted find it impossible to meet the demands and access the funds. This has led to a significant amount of funding being unallocated with only nine months left for use of the funds. JSIF has recognised the problem however they are unwilling to modify or change the application process to enable orgnisations to access the funds.
The USAID funds are small grants for projects that will promote community policing. Community policing is an important initiative in Jamaica where the relationship between the police and civil society is far from trusting and Jamaica has the dubious reputation of having one of the highest rates of extrajudicial police killings in the world. The funding initiative is commendable, US$5000 for small and informal community groups to engage in a community policing project. The launch for this was however uptown in one of the high end Kingston hotels, an unlikely place to attract small, informal commnity groups to learn about the grants, as well the use of the money will be incredibly highly controlled with vendors and approved projects being controlled by with USAID or the local police.
The reason for the onerous processes and control of international development money is clear. Too much of the money gets wasted through corruption or mismanagement but it seems somewhat counter productive to put in measures that then make the funds inaccessible to those whose benefit they are supposed to support.

Still no formal confirmation that the Ministry of Education will fund the School Suspension Intervention Programme (the bureaucracy works slowly) but there are assurances that we do not have to be concerned and must continue to operate the programme. At one level this is not completely reassuring but to be able to continue to offer the programme is very important and the indicators positive that it will be supported at least until July.

The week ended with attending a dance performance at UWI's theatre. The theatre is a wonderfully intimate space with a huge dance stage though marred somewhat by being airconditioned to refrigeration levels! It was a fantastic performance with companies both from Jamaica and the US. In his introduction to the performance, Kenneth Ormsby, the artist in residence and a Jamaican currently based in Toronto, noted that Jamaica is rated as the fifth most artistically creative place in the world, a statistic that resonates with all one experiences here.

It has felt like a full week and my activities range far in this small city! Next week will be less far ranging as much of it will be spent attending training and planning events for gender issues and the week will be punctuated by a mid-week holiday, Ash Wednesday.

The wrong side of the Law?

2011-02-27T07:23:00.006-05:00

A week in which the culmination of much planning led to people coming together, but no definitive word on funding from the Ministry of Education. The guilty verdict for Buju has distressed many and the enquiry into the engaging of a US law firm to lobby in the Dudus extradition is the most watched "soap opera" in the country.

The representatives from the various organisations supporting the implementation of Parents' Places came together for their second meeting. It was extremely well attended despite the absence of reminder calls, showing the extent of the commitment the partners have in trying to get the Parents' Places on the ground. The interest in effective implementation strategies is bringing a number of people to the table and the discussions are rigorous and informative. There is an emerging recognition amongst international develoment funders as well as government ministries that simply training people as an implementation strategy has not worked and many are searching for more effective strategies to ensure the limited dollars for change and new programmes provide the greatest impact. The Global Implementation Conference in August feels timely. The meeting provided a clear set of next steps both for the long term country-wide implementation as well as for the initial and immediate implementation of the first five or six Parents' Places.

On Friday all the staff and volunteers of DRF came together for the 2nd Annual Building Organisational Capacity Workshop. The partnership between DRF and CUSO-VSO brings a signficant number of resources to DRF (currently there are 7 volunteers with at least one additional one to join in the next month). This provides many opportunities but also some challenges as it is critical for the volunteers to work as a team. Given we all arrive at different times it is hard to ensure all have the same understanding of our role in the project but the annual workshops contribute to developing a common understanding. The day was not all work but provided a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new members of the DRF team and experience the talents of the team beyond their job requirements. Singing was as usual a dominant part of the day with a re-worded rendition of One Love (the Marley classic, with apolgies to Bob) to ONE TEAM, and a performance from our Flanker, Mo-Bay colleagues, The Flanker Folk, to end the day. Over 60 people attended and the level of participation in discussions and the material that came from the dicsussions suggest it was a very successful day.

The news that BUJU had been found guilty of drug and weapons charges in the US brought a strong reaction. There is concern that Jamaica's young men get targeted as a result of their reputation, and a strong sense that they do not get a fair hearing. Buju is an artiste with a very large following, seen to be one of the major performers bringing Jamaica's talent to the attention of the world and the reality that he faces a lengthy incarceration has angered many. The trial has raised many of the issues that Jamaicans must face, the reality that drugs and guns are a significant element of the lives of many young men, the impact of the inflamatory lyrics performed by Buju a decade ago and the reputation that a number of Jamaicans are preceived as ignoring the laws of the US, the UK and Canada not only in the spheres of guns and drugs but also within the context of immigration, work permits and visitor requirements. These are issues that not only affect the young men who may be involved in illegal activity but all Jamaicans who experience greater difficulty in acquiring visas and increased costs and a heavier requirement of proof of legitimacy when they wish to visit or migrate to another countries. The burden of the reputation created by the few is unfairly carried by the many.

The other major news story is the Mannatt-Dudus Enquiry which is offering great oratory but remarkably little information! The careful or simply evasive responses from those being questioned do more to confirm the skepticism and distrust generally felt about the government and politicians than offering candid even if damaging responses. No-one doubts there were attempts to ensure the links between Mr Coke and both poltical parties would be kept far from the public eye, but perhaps there was a glimmer of hope that a fresh start could be made if the truth was shared at the Enquiry. Such has not been the case.

Next week is Peace Week and I am hoping I can devote most of my time to youth programme activities, not the least of which will be pushing hard for a positive decision from the Ministry and the Peace Advocacy Event at the Eastern Peace Centre on March 4th.

Looking beyond today

2011-02-20T08:04:00.008-05:00

This has been a week focussed on looking beyond today, for the Burgher Gully Project, for DRF, for Parents' Place and for the Youth Programme. My week seems to have been devoted to making plans to help sustain programmes that have recently been developed or are at risk.

The Burgher Gully youth are busily preparing for their Peace event next week. I did not have enough time to spend with them through the week, not from the perspective of their need - my contribution at this point is quite unimportant - but from my perspective! It is such a pleasure to spend time with them at the Eastern Peace Centre but my time at the moment is better spent seeing if I can generate additional funds to consolidate the gains and add further capacity so I am back to proposal writing.

The 2nd Annual DRF Building Organisational Capacity Workshop will occur on Friday and Saturday next week (February 25th and 26th). The usual last minute planning is taking place, but in discussion with others the plan for the meeting has been developed and circulated, the venue secured, facilitators engaged, the resources identified and everyone invited. In addition to the planning and discussion that takes place it is the one time in the year when all those connected to DRF get a chance to come together so it is important in terms of team building and engagement. It will be good to see members of the organisation whom I have not seen since last year.

The Parents' Place initiative continues to move forward with a very helpful response from those who attended the January meeting. Much work has been done in the intervening month and our planning on February 23rd should lead to the establishment of a country wide support system to assist implementation and sustainability, as well as an interim process to support the development and implementation of five centres by March 31st. The planned network of small community-based and run parenting resource centres could be an important tool in shifting the style of parenting from one that is dependent on punishment (including corporal punishment) to one that is more aligned with better informed parenting skills.

Following last week's meetings we had the opportunity to meet with several senior staff of the Ministry of Education regarding the demise of the School Suspension Intervention Programme.The meeting was timely as the Sunday Gleaner had carried a front page article on the number of students being suspended from school! Although the refrain from the beginning of the meeting was "there is no money" the Ministry seemed more open to exploring the possibility of redirecting existing pockets of funding, but only short term. This led to a meeting the next day at which the budget and programme proposal for the next five months was presented in the hopes that at least funds for this will be found immediately. Any extension allows more time to continue to solicit longer term funds. We should hear next week whether we have a reprieve and thanks to the Gleaner for bringing the issue into the public spotlight.

The stark reality of the decisions and priorities of the Jamaican government is apparent. Jamaica has relied upon international development agencies to invest in and develop programmes for the vulnerable. However, it seems that the sustaining and further development of those programmes, however successful, is not a priority for this government. Constraints and conditions imposed by the IMF as a result of further loans are concentrating funds through tight channels and limiting the capacity of partnerships between NGOs and Ministries. Projects funded by donors whose sustainability was built on government participation are now at risk and to add to the difficulties, in the post 2008 world of international funding, Jamaica is not considered a "poor" country. The vulnerable here are increasingly dependent on their own government to take responsibility for improving the quality of life for all and it is clear that this is not a responsibility that this government is willing to fulfill. The unwillingness of the leadership, both political and bureaucratic, in Ministries such as Education and Youth to insist that children become a priority is contributing to the increasing challenges faced by schools, teachers and others whose focus is to support the healthy development of children in this country. Jamaica provides an example of what happens when those elected use the power vested in them to address their own agenda and priorities rather than sound governance and management for all.
Perhaps my frustration is heightened by the limited time left to me to contribute my full attention to working here. It is such an absorbing and exciting place to be, with so much to offer those of us that come here. Where there may be an absence of response from those in power there certainly isn't a lack of response closer to the ground and working with those delivering services continues to be completely engaging and gratifying.

Given all that is going on next week the weekend has been spent at home preparing the necessary pieces. Today however I will make time to socialise as a friend from Ontario, for whom Jamaica is originally home, is returning briefly and lunch is planned at Devon House, which will be a delightful interlude. Devon House is a lovely 19th Century House that is now open to the public It is situated at one of the busiest intersections in New Kingston but the lush lawns, wonderful old knarled and twisted trees, and quiet courtyards provide a haven of peace easily accessible to all. It is a favourite spot for a Sunday afternoon picnic or just a quiet moment to sit under tree and read.

Contrasts

2011-02-13T08:13:00.013-05:00

The week has been one of extreme contrasts from one place to another, from cold to hot, from optimism to concern and at the end of the week I am left with a sense of appreciation for the opportunities that continue to present themselves.

On Monday I was in my old neighbourhood at Yonge and Eglinton to work with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, the Rick Hanson Institute and representatives from 6 health centres across the Canada all committed to ensuring the work they support provides the best outcomes for both those doing the work and those for whom the work is being done. It was energising to participate in the active discussion, learn more about the people for whom the National Implementation Research Committee will be providing support and to develop the steps to move forward with an exciting project. The work will be engaging, but it will not be in Jamaica, which brings me to looking at the conclusion of my time here, with very mixed feelings!

On Tuesday morning, bright and early, I left Toronto and temperatures of -15C and arrived four hours later in Kingston to embrace the noise, chaos and warmth of 30C. My first stop was the Eastern Peace Centre where the youth and staff were on lunch break from a busy morning. There was lively conversation over curry goat with rice and peas. The group is currently split into two with one group working at a local carpenter's shop building domino tables and the other planning the March 4th Peace Event. In four weeks this motley group of "bad" boys and girls have arrived on time daily, shared their experiences and their dreams and are now working as cohesive, constructive and productive groups. I was curious as to whether their behaviour in the community is showing any change. I asked the community representatives volunteering at the programme, albeit this is not an objective opinion, the answer was an unhesitating yes. The community is experiencing these youth quite differently, they no longer hang out on the corners of the zinc alleys but gather at the Eastern Peace Centre, whether the programme is operating or not. They are seeking out adult advice and support and are asking about what can be next for them. Although the answer was not an objective one given the pride of the community representatives for the programme, these new behaviours are evidenced and as such demonstrate some level of change.

The local MP came good on his promise at the launch and has made available weekly swimming lessons at the National Stadium Pool. The entire group goes down on a Thursday morning and everyone is learning to swim!

All this for less than $2000 ($170,000JA) per week. Included in this cost, these funds provide employment for two people, business for a local cook shop which does the catering for the programme and brings skilled entrepreneurs in the community to the youth. Seems like a pretty good return on investment.

Thursday provided another set of contrasts from discussion at the Ministry of Education to discussion with the Youth Programme Team. The first appointment of the day was to meet with the Advisory Team for Creating Safe Places to Learn. The project evaluation is now complete and confirms that the programme operated by DRF is effective and valuable. The meeting was to discuss the Infusion Plan, whereby the programme will continue under the auspices of the Ministry of Education with DRF providing the School Suspension Intervention Programme. As the discussion of an Memorandum of Agreement proceeded it became evident the Ministry was omitting to recognise that, as of February 28th, there is no funding for the SSIP, an issue DRF has been grappling with, in discussion with the MoE for over a year. Without funding the programme cannot be provided. Those of us from DRF interjected this stark reality into the conversation and received a more positive response than has ever been forthcoming from MoE. In the face of being reminded that the international funder, UNICEF, had extended their funding of the programme for two years in good faith that the MoE would honour their commitment to assume the programme if it was proved effective, the Ministry seemed to understand their responsibility. It is a long way from getting a cheque by February 28th but it was a great deal more positive than any response to date. The proof will be in the actions of the Chief Education Officer with whom we meet on Tuesday next week.

The afternoon was the meeting with the Youth Programme Team at which notice was given for the closure of the programme on February 28th. It was an extremely difficult meeting but illustrated the strength and commitment of the team. All said they could not see the closure of the programme in two weeks and will volunteer as of March 1st, feeling confident that DRF would find the funds at some point to pay them whatever could be found. Their investment in the youth that come from their communities and their ability to change the trajectory of the majority of them is what will sustain them. This is a group whose pay is minimal at best and who live from day to day to support their own families but are of the many here who are determined to make Jamaica a different place for their children and others. Their optimism and confidence is daunting and will support my redoubled efforts to find funding for them.

Saturday was a day to enjoy an unusually cloudless sky with a trip with friends to Lissons Beach at Morant Bay. The day was picture perfect, with glorious vistas of turquoise Caribbean Sea, lush green mountains and bustling Saturday markets as we drove through the small towns between Kingston and the beach. A few hours in the sun, swimming and relaxing and then back to Kingston to spend the rest of the weekend catching up on work that needs to be done.

Two Cities

2011-02-06T08:14:00.016-05:00

This week has once gain seen me in two countries, two cultures and two climates as I started the week in Jamaica and ended it in Canada. The early week in Jamaica included the launch event for the Burgher Gully project and a focus on Restorative Justice and in Canada included planning for tomorrow's meeting about implementation with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, planning for what comes after Jamaica and enjoying time with Haley and friends.

The launch event at the Eastern Peace Centre for the Burgher Gully project was delightful. Over 30 youth were present (it can no longer be called the Burgher Gully Boyz as there are 4 girls participating in the programme). Start time was 11am and the youth were ready. They had spent time during the two weeks prior painting and preparing the centre. It looked clean and tidy as did the youth. Invited to the launch were the local MP, the Regional Director for UNICEF, the CEO of DRF, local community representatives and a local artiste. Sitting in rows, quiet and attentive it was hard to understand that these are the "bad" boys and girls of the community, those that have bullied, threatened and more. Two of the boys spoke to conclude the formalities and I was struck once again about how little it takes to support these young people to change. They take advantage of the smallest opportunities, ask for so little and demonstrate time and again that given a positive alternative very few would choose the negative path into which they have been drawn. They are creative and energetic. They have reasonable ambitions and are willing to work hard. Their negative behaviour really is as a result the failure of the adults around them. It is a complex society with a long history but unquestionably the political leaders, the community leaders, the international developers have some responsibility in contributing to the lack of choices available to the youth of Jamaica. Perhaps the events this week in Egypt will inspire us to be more active and optimistic that change can be achieved.

The final presentation at the launch was a very moving song written and performed by a local artiste. I have asked permission to share it and, if I can, I will do so. The working title of the song was Faces on the Wall which refers to the tradition of painting on the garrison walls the faces of those killed through gang warfare, and the salient question - is this all we want for them?

The week was full of events to raise awareness for Restorative Justice in Jamaica and so was busy for many of my colleagues whose focus is disseminating and establishing Restorative and Community Justice in Jamaica. The events ended last night with a concert in Emancipation Park that I was sorry to miss as last year it was a wonderful event.

On Wednesday evening I flew to Toronto somewhat anxious about my ability to cope with the threatened 30 cms of snow. However the anticipated snow did not materialise and the cold has been manageable! The contrast in weather is not the only major contrast between Toronto and Kingston. The orderly, affluent appearance of Toronto, the development and growth, the efficiency and functionality, the safety and opportunity, are in marked contrast to Kingston. As Torontonians we may complain but with the objective eye of some distance, Toronto is truly an amazing city. Despite its flaws, a city that can embrace the many cultures, peoples and this climate is something to be proud of!

That being said I will have no regrets in returning to Kingston, with its warmth and challenges, on Tuesday following my day with ONF.

Organising

2011-01-30T07:19:00.007-05:00

The week has been strongly focused on organising and planning, though with somewhat limited success. Organising the 5th Caribbean Conference continues as one of the major tasks at DRF, supporting the Burgher Gully project and their efforts to plan a small launch event and planning the 2nd Annual Building Organisational Capacity Workshop. Most importantly, taking the best advantage of the extra month of operation of the youth programme to try and generate funding. Organising was also the topic of the Editor's Forum at the Gleaner.

Planning the 5th Caribbean Conference continues to be an enormous and somewhat worrying challenge. The vision of the conference is typically ambitious but the time and funds to plan it for success seem absent. Everything is dependent on my colleagues at DRF who are already stretched thin to fulfill exisiting responsibilities. We seem to inch closer to decisions and confirmations but time seems to be moving much faster than we are. This process is a real challenge as I experience the tension between my own culture of planning and organising and the dominant culture in Jamaica. Balancing the respect of what exists and the charge to build capacity and increase skills in the organisation is requiring much thought and consideration through this process. I am taking a lot of deep breaths and counting to a ten (or more) before I speak!

The Burgher Gully project continues to thrive, with more youth attending daily. The count by week end was 37 which prompted me to caution that quality must not suffer at the expense of quantity! However it is hard to turn young people away so we will be creative about how to ensure impact for as many as our resources can support. This week the invitations for the official 'Launch' did get out so tomorrow will see the youth host invited guests at the Eastern Peace Centre and share their hopes for the future.

At the end of February the organisation will be brought together for the 2nd Annual Building Organisational Capacity Workshop. The focus will be on supporting the service network so that the greatest potential for service delivery can be realised. Those who are members of DRF rarely ge the opportunity to come together so I look forward to planning a day that make the most of this opportunity.

With a brief reprieve for the Youth programme as a result of UNICEF flowing 2 months of additional funding, which means the staff will be paid for the work in January which they did regardless of the fact that they were aware there was no funding to pay them, means we are in high gear to push the Ministry of Education to fund the programme, as was their original commitment. The evaluation recommendation is clear, the programme is a valuable adjunct to school-based services for students demonsatrting behavioural issues, and minimally should be available to all schools in volatile commmunities. Now all that is left is to get the Ministry to fulfill its responsibility and find the very small amount of funding requried to continue the programme.

Across the country there continues to be much debate about how to make changes that will enable Jamaica to pull out of the downward spiral it appears to be experiencing and realise the enormous potential it holds. At the 10th Editor's Forum at the Gleaner the speakers spoke of the need for the population to organise in order to demand change in the political process and the performance of the politicians. From improving the education system to commnity influence on the decisions that get made it was noted that there must be a higher level of involvement of the population to change the current status quo.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, President, Micro, Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprises Alliance
Jamaicans must organise to address the range
of
issues
that affect the country as owners of the country. Every Jamaican
must take
responsibility, which includes educating every child and
ensuring
that people
are engaged in entrepreneurial activities that can
generate
income so that they
don't have to turn to crime and other kinds
of
activities.
What a difference it would make if the population demanded accountability and limited the control of the politicians.

This morning has dawned cloudy and somewhat cooler than usual. The clouds are not the dense dark rain clouds that form over the mountains, then blow over, depositing a torrential downpour and moving on to leave the island clean and steamy.
This morning the cloud cover is high and uniform with no movement. The quality of the light is quite different and mutes the colours and somehow the noises of the awakening city. Instead of the bright, hard light of the sun as it gathers strength there is a softness to the day and a gentler feel. The thought occurs - if there were more days started like this would Jamaicans have a gentler approach to the world?

The week ahead will see me in Ontario by Thursday for a very brief and busy few days. The reason for the visit is to meet, as a member of National Implementation Research Network, http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~nirn/ with those involved in an emerging implementation project. A "cool" morning here will take on a different meaning when I am exposed once again to the frigid cold of the north!

A short week

2011-01-23T08:15:00.007-05:00

Having flown back from Washington on Tuesday the week felt quite short. I arrived at the office at lunchtime and quickly settled back into the things that needed to be done. This week there has been more focus on the Building Organisational Change Project as the days included time to review all the CUSO-VSO team has accomplished at DRF over the last year and planning for the second annual BOC workshop. As well I had the opportunity to attend a lecture on the needs of children in court, check out venues for the 5th Caribbean Conflict Resolution Conference and work with Parenting Partners to assist in the develoment of an implementation plan.

The annual programme review required by CUSO-VSO was a lengthy process. Each volunteer had to submit a report describing the activity and impact of the work completed. Much has been done and some accomplishments achieved between us though desigining, implementing and supporting organisational change in a climate of no resources is extremely difficult. I am lucky as my position includes direct work with youth and the staff in the programme and the impact is more immediate and identifiable. It was good to take stock and look to what is next. However, it did remind me that my time here is limited and change for me looms closer than I like to think about.
We are also planning for the 2nd Annual Building Organisational Capacity Workshop which brings together all stakeholders involved at DRF. Last year's workshop was a resounding success so we have a high standard to match or perhaps exceed!

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) with the support of the EU sponsored a lecture to promote awareness of the needs of children who attend court. The children who attend court are without exception victims of violence and the current experience re-victimises them. There is much work occurring to improve this to which a previous volunteer contributed significantly. Using models and programmes available in Canada and other coutries she developed a draft manual for use by those involved with children at court. The programme will be rolled out by another volunteer over the next year and has the potential to have a very positive impact for children attending court. There was lively discussion following the presentations and clearly there is work to do at the Child Development Agency (the agency charged with the protection of children) and the Office of the Children's Advocate, but by bringing the issues into the public arena JFJ is helping to ensure action is taken.

Planning for the 5th Caribbean Conference on Conflict Resolution is moving along, though not as quickly as it might need to! I keep reminding myself that in Jamaica these things always seem to come together admirably by the appointed date but it is certainly anxiety provoking. The venue has been decided upon - The Jamaica Conference Centre. It is a beautifully located venue looking out over the harbour. As with most things here it is a little worn and suffers from the lack of funds to keep it pristine but the common spaces and gathering areas are bright and open to the fresh air coming over the sea, their are lovely fountains and gardens. The meeting rooms are formal and will pose a bit of a challenge but it would be good to support the centre rather than use a hotel.

The work I am doing with Parenting Partners is very interesting. The concept developed for the Parents' Places that communities will have the opportunity to provide is a sound and ambitious concept. Its promotion of community ownership has potential to influence greatly the parenting support provided, and align it with the particular needs of a community in partnership with other organisations in each community. It was exciting to see the participants at the implementation consultation recognise the importance of carefully planning the implementation process and building in adequate supports. However, given the plethora of community based organisations, government organisations and people who must be included it will be a challenge to bring into focus a manageable and helpful implementation plan. As usual the Political relationships are a significant factor to be considered. There is more work to be done but given the importance of providing parents with access to support and parenting education it is exciting work in which to be involved .

I did not get down to the Burgher Gully project this week but saw the staff and heard their enthusiasm as they plan the launch. This will be delayed a week, as in the enthusiasm for preparing the centre, painting and setting up they forgot to send out the invitations! I learned more about the community as a taxi driver I was riding with started to talk about his family and the son who lives with his baby mother in Burgher Gully. I am privileged to hear so many stories told so candidly and the contribution to my understanding of life here is invaluable.

Next week I hope to spend more time at the Eastern Peace Centre with the Burgher Gully Boyz (and girls as there are now two girls registered!) and continue on earnest with conference planning and workshop planning.

Zinc Alleys

2011-01-16T10:54:00.014-05:00

Another week in which I have been involved in lots of things: the Burgher Boyz, Parents' Places, Global Implementation Conference, National Volunteer Centre and catching up with Mama Brown

One of the highlights of the week was time spent at the Eastern Peace Centre where I had the opportunity to meet the participants of the Burgher Gully project. The 22 young men had written, or drawn pictures, describing what they hope to achieve through their participation. The ambitions were not unreasonable. The focus was consistently about increased levels of skills in various things - literacy, mechanics, electrical work. Jobs are extremely hard to come by in Jamaica but many of the jobs to which the youth aspire would lend themselves to an entrepreneurial approach so I am hopeful the programme will help. In reviewing the intake forms I noticed that several of the participants had the same address. In exploring how this could be given these young people were clearly not related I was invited to visit the address on Mountainview Road. Just a little way up the road we arrived at a large church. We walked behind it to an open piece of land surrounded by zinc fences with a small alley leading off it. Behind the fences were the small, makeshift homes in which these young people live. Dividing the houses and the path into these communities are the 'zinc alleys' . The zinc alleys are formed by the 8 foot high zinc sheets that line the properties.The alleys are about 3 feet wide and wind through the community. Once in the alley one cannot see out, the fences are too high and the only holes in them are the holes left by bullets, or rusting disintegration that has not yet been patched. It is easy to imagine gunmen controlling these alleys and "protecting " the community defined by the don. The boundaries of the community are clear, the gully to the west, the church to the east and roads to the north and south. The alleys are poorly lit, with self-made lights holding weak light bulbs irregularly distributed down the alleys. Electricity comes from a spider web of fine wires running from a single pole out to the alleys and then into the yards and houses behind the zinc fences and water runs through hoses that branch out to the houses, some buried into the earth into the earth floor of the alley, some running down the side.
Kingston seems to have endless surprises and secrets, and the resiliency of those who live in such difficult circumstances continues to garner my enormous respect.

Mid-week Mama Brown, the woman who has taken the initiative for the Riverton women's project, came into Kingston and we had a chance to catch up. The barrels filled with donations arrived in Jamaica before Christmas but are awaiting the signature of the Minister to waive the import taxes on the goods donated. It is frustrating that the bureaucracy can move so slowly and apparently for no good reason as the forms have been at the Minister's office for a while. Mama Brown is extremely appreciative of the donations received to assist with the shipping, and sends thanks. Her trip to Ontario was a tremendous experience and she hopes to return there in the not too distant future. In the meantime she will continue to work with the women in Riverton. Riverton is a community that has developed beside the huge landfill in which Kingston's garbage is dumped and many of the women earn income from picking though the dump for scrap metal, this work is often controlled by the dons. Providing the women with a means to start small businesses will improve the quality of their lives enormously.

My other major activity during this week has been conference planning both at DRF and with colleagues in Washington. The two processes are quite a contrast given the different scale of the events. It has been delightful to see colleagues with whom most work is done through telephone conversations and email communication. The Global Implementation Conference 2011 is shaping up to be a very exciting prospect in the development of implementation science.

On my return to Kingston I look forward to facilitating a session that will help move the Parents' Places towards effective implementation.

"Blessed I have life."

2011-01-09T20:55:00.008-05:00

Getting back to work after the new year has been interesting and busy. Putting on the ground the new programme recently funded by UNICEF, increasing the attention to planning the 5th Caribbean Conflict Resolution Conference in April, work on the 1st biennial Global Implementation Conference and addressing the lack of funding but commitment to delivering the youth programme have made for a challenging week . The week ended with a wonderfully relaxing weekend in Fort Lauderdale which is the reason for the delay in posting!

Implementing the Burgher Gully Project has given the opportunity to test out some of the new processes and systems that will help DRF in its planning and management development, as well as assist the Youth Peace Facilitator and Manager increase their skill level at programme development, implementation and evaluation. These are primary objectives for one area of my work here and it feels exciting to see the results begin to materialise. The assistant youth peace facilitator and cook joined our team meeting on Friday and are enthusiastic about the programme, and I should get an opportunity to meet the young men who will be participating in the programme early next week. One question posed by the assistant YPF was whether girls could be enrolled in the programme. To my question about would girls be carying guns his response was "why not?" It led to an interesting discussion as to "why not" and different environments. He found it very hard to fully understand that there are places in the world where guns are not a readilly available commodity for young people.

The planning for the 5th Caribbean Conference is happening with earnest. It will be an international conference accommodating up to 350 participants and from my perspective the planning time left is frighteningly inadequate. I keep reminding myself that in Jamaica these events always seem to be left until the last minute and always seem to be a fine success!

The week was full of greetings after the holiday. By mid way through the week I was struck with how many people answered the question "Did you have a good holiday?" with "Iam blessed. I have life"! One evening after popping into the CUSO office and hearing this response from both the Security Guard and the Janitor my thoughts turned to how low an expectation this response reflects when uttered in a tone that does not resonate with joy. To expect more than merely life would be expecting too much seems to be the implicit message, by maintaining low expectations disappointment can be avoided. Life is still such a struggle for so many, and with the level of violence in certain quarters, is often threatened. It is understandable that continued life is seen as a reason to feel blessed, but it still strikes me as a lower bar than should be set for the quality of life that should be available.

The week ended in an entirely different place - Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Saturday was spent meandering along the beach and Ocean Drive in South Beach. The colours, simple lines and understated relief of the Art Deco buildings are immensely pleasing to the eye. The sky was blue, and although the air was cool the sun was strong and the shadows dramatic. It was a glorious afternoon. The miles and miles of highway, beaches, hotels and sunworshippers that constitute the south Atlantic coast of Florida felt so far removed from Kingston.

One of the greatest contrasts however was the point of entry! It took two and a half hours from leaving the plane to clearing Homeland Security and immigration in Fort Lauderdale, on my return, in Kingston, it took fifteen minutes! It was lovely to spend the weekend in comfort and in wonderful company.

The week ahead looks to be full of interesting activities, working with those trying to put Parent Places throughout the country, supporting the start of the programme in Burgher Gully, more work with the Violence Prevention Alliance and the week will end once again in the US meeting with colleagues about the Global Implementation Conference.

2011 - A New Year and a friendly welcome home

2011-01-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

2010 proved to be a year full of surprises and changes and a year spent in a remarkable place getting to know remarkable people. At the beginning of the year, having settled into my year of volunteering, I had anticipated nine months of continued work with the youth progamme at DRF and my return to Kinark to rejoin the Clinical Transformation process. However the beginning of 2011 sees me in Jamaica working not only with the youth programme but more extensively with DRF; as well with a group of people highly committed to stopping the violence and establishing peace in Jamaica through the Violence Prevention Alliance; and making linkages with those working to establish Parent Places, resource centres that will increase support and access to parent education throughout Jamaica. This is a truly gratifying, challenging and engaging combination of activities.

The last week of 2010 was spent in Barbados enjoying a wonderful time with family. The differences I noted between the two islands raised a little anxiety in me about my return to Jamaica. The peace and reserve of Barbados was a pleasant respite from extrovert and chaotic Kingston. But arriving back felt like getting home! The immigration lines were long and there was much tutting and teeth kissing as people waited but despite this the Immigration Officer greeted me warmly and politely and told me that I could go through the "Jamaican and Caricom" line next time as I am an established resident of Jamaica. As she stamped my passport I heard a voice wishing me Happy New Year, a colleague and Board member of DRF who works at the Immigration Department was walking through the hall and we exchanged greetings and chatted about the holidays. The taxi driver who typically provides me with a drive when I am going somewhere impractical to walk to, didn't answer his phone when I tried to call him but immediately called me back when he saw my number as a missed call and was at the airport within 15 minutes to pick me up. Some Jamaicans home "from foreign" to visit family over the holidays at Mountainview could not find a taxi so we offered them a ride. Mountainview is a community of which I am quite familiar as it is the home of the Youth Peace Facilitators and a community in which we have a Peace Centre. All of these served to remind me quickly of the positive aspect of extrovert Kingston. People always watch out for others, a courteous greeting is always exchanged in passing and one is always acknowledged and assistance offered unconditionally.

Jamaica is adept at making welcome those that come to contribute to this country, and although, regardless of how long I am here I would remain a foreigner, there is a warmth and appreciation in the welcome that is truly humbling.

New Year's Eve celebrations could be heard and seen across the city on Friday night. As dusk fell the firecrackers started, and how nice it was to know the cracks and flashes were celebratory and harmless instead of the not unusual gunshot that would more typically be the reason for cracks and flashes. The view from my balcony at midnight offered myriad firework displays from the magnificence of the formal display at the waterfront that could be seen in the far distance, to the displays in parks and gardens throughout the city. Up into the hills and across the plain fireworks could be seen for half an hour into the New Year and the "night noise" that is usually somewhat irritating was joyful and full of hope and optimism.

Without the security and predicatablility of returning to Kinark I have also been provided with the opportunity to explore what paths I might like to forge for the next phase of my professional life and the combination I have discovered here is very appealing. Some work directly with people in communities, some development and implementation work at the system and community level, some design and innovation work that bring me into spheres of dedicated, intelligent and creative people. I think the only piece I would like to augment it with is the opportunity to do some teaching or academic work, perhaps that too will present itself! As the new year begins and the end of my commitment in Jamaica starts to loom, my energies will be devoted to effectively concluding my work here, establishing what my continuing relationship will be to Jamaica as I cannot imgagine it will disappear from my palette of activities, and establishing what I will be doing for the forseeable future. I look forward to exploring new horizons and learning from those I meet along the way.

Very Best Wishes for 2011, may it bring you joy and fulfillment!

A Very Different Island

2010-12-26T07:30:00.003-05:00

This week I am not in Jamaica but in Barbados where Haley, Tasha and I are very comfortably settled for the holidays. It is wonderful to see family here and it is far too long since we have been here together. It has been a week of relaxing, visiting and celebrating Christmas with a difference. There is an easy going comfort amongst the family here and we have been welcomed into their traditional gatherings with warmth. We are staying in a lovely apartment in an old house, Camelot House, that has been renovated. It is on the beach on the south coast with the Caribbean, sunrises and sunsets being the uninterrupted view from the verandah.

Barbados has changed since the days of our annual holidays, with greater sophistication and showing off the well cared-for look of Christmas finery. Every street and road is trim and tidy, houses, trees, roundabouts and town squares are festooned with lighted decorations. Traffic is slow moving and polite, there are no grilles on the verandahs and balconies and the pace is slower and gentler than Jamaica. It feels as if it has embraced its visitors and treats those if us that come to visit as treasured guests with whom those who live here share generously the beauty and ease of this tiny island country. And those who live here are quietly and undemonstrably proud of their island, with a quiet complacency that suggests few think there could be a better place to live.

The variety of topography is different from Jamaica. Barbados is a small island with no mountains but it has glorious coastline and beaches from the placid and lush west coast where the resorts and private houses dominate to the wild and undeveloped north coast with rocky cliffs and caves carved out by the relentless crashing of the sea. The east coast is the Atlantic with no land between Barbados and Africa. The waves that break onto the east shore have travelled a long way and the beaches are long and wilder than the south or west coast, with sand-dunes and miles of open space. The south coast, on which we are staying, has a lived-in feel with holiday homes, hotels, residences and businesses sharing the coast and the roads. A cooling breeze reduces the humidity and the beaches and boardwalk provide a lovely environment in which to walk for miles.

As a visitor, even with family here, I realise my view is limited and I am not privy to the depth of understanding that my stay in Jamaica has provided. Unemployment and underemployment plague Barbados as they do many of the islands. The opportunities are limited but with one of the best education systems in the world, and with a literacy rate in the top five, it does provide for its people to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. As well, Barbados feels to have a comfort with itself and does not seem subject to the highly competitive and aggressive nature of Jamaica. Both history and politics seem to have been kinder to Barbados, with no garrisons (other than that built appropriately for its Defence Force), no Dons and a still largely unarmed police force Barbados is a wonderful island to visit and a lovely place to relax and soak up the sun and the warmth of a gentle Caribbean culture. However, I will return happily to the layers, complexity and challenge of Jamaica where my view includes the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean and where I will usher in the beginning of a new year and all it has to offer.

Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2011!

2010-12-24T06:23:00.008-05:00

It is Christmas Eve and as the sun rises and I sit and look out at the Caribbean Sea, I think back on the year and appreciate how generous the world has been to me.

Through both gratifying and difficult events I have experienced a year in which family, friends, colleagues and new acquaintances have provided me with warmth and support.

Thank you all!

I wish for you a Holiday filled with joy and love.

May 2011 bring you wonder and fulfilment.

Happy Christmas and Best wishes for 2011!

The Holidays Begin!

2010-12-19T07:40:00.007-05:00

It has been week full of indications of the holidays and preparations for new work in the new year. Final days with the students, developing a workplan for a new project and hiring for another, shopping bonanza days throughout Kingston, Tasha arriving from Halifax via Toronto, Haley returning to Toronto from her annual US road trip and by tonight the three of us will be together in Barbados!

The Youth Programme was busy for the first three days of the week but on Thursday an eerie quiet set in as the school holidays began and no students were at the programme. This is a time for the Youth Peace Facilitators to catch up on the neglected paper work and get organised for the new year but this week had an added and uncomfortable dimension as the funding base for January is still uncertain. UNICEF staff had previously committed to continuing funding until it has completed the evaluation, which they have not yet completed, so we are hopeful they will honour this commitment which may provide another month of reprieve. Letters were sent to the MPs to see if they can offer some interim funding from their discretionary Community Development Funds but there are no certainties and in a climate of debt and cutbacks things feel very tenuous.

Given the reputation of the programme and the value the schools feel it has for them and their students it seems unconscionable that C$1000 a month per parish cannot be found to serve these students.

On a more optimistic note, the Burgher Gully Boyz - We Can Be the Change Project is getting underway. Budgets are finalised, equipment being purchased and the workplan created. The work will start proper in the new year and it will be a very interesting process to explore if this short-term, intensive intervention can interfere with the vulnerability of young men who are beginning to attach themselves to gangs.

UNIFEM also finalised the contract for The Way Out project and hiring will be completed before the Christmas break. I was included as part of the interview team for the Knowledge Management/Communications position and was impressed with the thoroughness of the process developed for hiring. Competition for jobs is fierce and a great deal is demanded from candidates through the recruitment process. The quality of the candidates available is enviable and the team that will emerge will undoubtedly be a dynamic and well-qualified group of five. One of the most interesting elements was as we rated the candidates there was without question a different cultural bias. My perceptions were focussed very much on attributes such as organising ability, task focus, clarity and others in the team much more focussed on storytelling and personal connections. One element that was particularly interesting was the difference in terms of expectations; the candidate whose resume had not raised high expectations exceeded those expectations and the one whose resume had generated high expectations was clearly at a disadvantage in terms of meeting expectations. It was evident that exceeding expectations definitely led to a more positive view at interview, obscuring whether the performance of the candidate was comparitively better or worse than the candidate for whom expectations were higher.

The week has seen shopping bonanza days in downtown Kingston and many of the plazas, though I must admit that I did not take advantage of them. The effort to re-establish downtown as a destination of greater draw and variety continues but the throngs of street vendors and density of people moving through the narrow streets is not an appealing challenge for me!

Tasha arrived on Monday and although the weather was disappointing for much of the week she has had an opportunity to relax and recoup after a very busy term. It is lovely to have her here and she settles very easily into the Kingston adventure, though the pounding music and screaming DJ that went on until 4:30 this morning was not a welcome experience!
"Night Noise" is a significant feature of Kingston and can be excessive. To those of us from places where decibels are measured and monitored and disturbing one's neighbours is unacceptable it is very difficult to tolerate the Jamaican propensity for huge banks of speakers and apparent oblivion to the impact of the volume for those who live within the 5 kilometres across which the sound travels! There is no way to eliminate the sound as windows and shutters are designed for air flow not sound obstruction. It seems, as the holiday season begins, that the noise levels and frequency of street dances increases. As I recall there is not quite the same propensity in Barbados!

As I write this Haley is on the plane to Barbados and Tasha and I will leave here in a few hours. It will be lovely to have time with them and with family there and I am very much looking forward to it.

Given I will not be "In Jamaica" my blog entries may be interrupted and in case this is so I wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season in which you too enjoy time with family and friends!

A cold front moving in....

2010-12-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

The feel this week has definitely been one of the ending of the current year and the beginning of a new one. DRF was a hive of activity getting ready for the AGM, there were meetings and conference calls throughout the week to get a flurry of work completed before the holiday slow down (despite the cold front this is the only "flurry" I am likely to experience I am happy to say!) I attended the launch of a powerful video. From Canada, what is becoming a family harbinger of Christmas, Haley headed south for a ten day road trip through the States.

The DRF Annual General Meeting, the second I have attended, went well. It is always good to pause and take stock. In the busy-ness of the day-to-day one may not appreciate the people with whom one works and the achievements that are accomplished. Accounting for the year provides that moment of pause and allows for the appreciation of what has been and what is to come. The DRF AGM was this opportunity. There are, of course, significant challenges ahead but probably no greater than those that have already been faced and overcome and it will be a pleasure to continue on into the new year to assist with these challenges. The meeting ended with lunch and the joking and conversations over lunch reminded me how warmly I have been welcomed by this wonderful and diverse group of people.

The flow of students to the programme has diminished as exams are in full swing. Those that have not been allowed back to sit their exams are experiencing the real-life consequence of the impact of their behaviour and poor decisions, as their marks will reflect their absence and thus be much lower than they had wanted.
The youth peace facilitators are catching up on paper work and have decorated our office which now looks extremely festive!

On Friday night Jamaicans for Justice, the human rights organisation at which I recently received training, launched a documentary "Victims' Voices" funded, in part, by the EU. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/JFJ-documents-Victims--Voices-_8228597It reports the stories of three mothers who have each lost a son to police extrajudicial killing. The stories told of three very different young men but all quite unconnected to criminal activity or gangs. One, a fifteen year old cycling back from the store with banana chips and juice. Another, a young man with cognitive challenges, walking home and the third, a young man tidying his room at his home in West Kingston when police moved in during the declared State of Emergency, but after the incursion, and took him because "he looks like a gunman". The stories are heart-wrenching and the documentary, made by a young woman engaged in completing her Master's at UCLA Berkley and a journalist, Madeleine Bair, carefully chronicles the stories without gratuitous emotion. As a result the video is powerful and thought provoking. The three mothers are tenacious about telling their stories so that the police force here becomes accountable, and the killing is stopped. Madeleine and JFJ are to be congratulated for their courage and commitment. The video will soon be posted on YouTube.

Today I heard the weather forecast (something I rarely pay attention to given the constancy. What fun are weather forecasts when they are always the same and always right?) but today's grabbed my attention with the ominous phrase " a cold front moving in from the east" . With trepidation I listened. I was informed that I should anticipate a three degree Celsius drop in the temperature. I am prepared, I borrowed a quilt for the bed, pulled out my 2 long- sleeved shirts and calculated the temperatures that are going to assault me. Apparently, over the next three days it will be a chilly 23C, except during the afternoon when there will be some relief and temperatures will achieve 26C. Cold weather warnings are a little different here, and this is winter even I can manage!

As the week draws to a close, Haley will reach her good friend in California, Tasha will reach her good friends in Toronto and I will spend the rest of the day making preparations for our Christmas visit to Barbados. Tomorrow I pick Tasha up at Kingston airport (I don't think the cold front will trouble her too much given what she is leaving behind!) and "it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!"

2010-12-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

The week has been full with long and busy days mostly spent at DRF working on the Annual Report for the AGM next week, exploring potential funding sources from calls for proposals and happily receiving confirmation of funding from UNICEF for a recently submitted proposal. In addition of course time with students, who are preparing for exams, and negotiating with schools to ensure they are permitted to write their exams despite suspensions.

Christmas is definitely in the air. Attending church for the morning sermon is quite unneccessary at this time of year, one needs simply to ride the buses! The Christmas season seems to soften the tone of the preaching from the more threatening tone at other times of the year. In addition to the sermons there is the singing. One day this week the sermon and singing was from a man whose resemblance to Ray Charles was not only his blindness but also his incredible voice! Gospel being rendered passionately by a man who sings like a cross between Ray Charles and Keb Mo is great accompaniment on the morning journey to work.

The grocery store has increased its supply of flour and dried fruits as fruit cakes are being made in most kitchens. As with so many things here, there is serious competition as to who makes the best fruit cake and great pride from the baker regarding her (or occasionally his) particular recipe and creation. There are various kinds - moist and well soaked in rum, dense with fruit, more "cakey", those made with fruit soaked for months or even years in rum, those cooked well in advance and steeped in liquor, those freshly baked and eaten immediately, dark ones and light ones. My experience is that they are all delicious and I graciously and with appreciation receive any that I am given! I remember fondly a gift from Markham last year of a particularly delicious one, thank you Kharma.

The darker side to the pre-Christmas season is being more aware when walking around. Crime and muggings increase at this time of year as people carry parcels and often more money. The dark falls early and provides cover for quick get aways, so extra caution is required. As I was walking home one evening a young woman waiting for a taxi asked if she could walk with me as no taxis were available. She was walking home and uncomfortable doing so alone, however the protection of a small, older white woman was more than adequate! A reflection of the respect still afforded, about which I have to say I have mixed feelings. Regardless, the company was pleasant and we enjoyed the walk together.

Friends and colleagues are making plans, as am I and Christmas this year will see me in Barbados with my daughters and the Bajan side of the family. Another tropical Christmas with the only white stuff being the sand on the beach and the only ice being that in our drinks! As well as the delight of sun and warmth, it will be wonderful to spend some time with my brother and his family.

In Jamaica, youth is certainly NOT wasted on the young*

2010-11-28T07:41:00.022-05:00

(*with apologies to George Bernard Shaw)

Each week, one way or another, I am reminded of the tremendous strengths of Jamaica and the challenges it faces. There were several reminders this week whilst I attended a youth conference.
Yute X 2010 brought together over 300 youth to discuss participation and advocacy.

“Fulticipate to Elevate: Enhancing development Through Youth Participation” ,

the second biennial conference was presented by Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network with the support of UNICEF, USAID, ASHE, Jamaica National, and others. I attended two of the three days of the conference and was once again impressed by the intelligence, thoughtfulness and how informed and articulate the youth of Jamaica are. And, despite the very serious nature of the discussions, they bring an exuberance and enthusiasm that is often demonstrated through song, dance and entertainment! As I have noted before song and performance are an integral part of every event here and the youth did not disappoint. From the spontaneous singing as they set up in the morning to the formal presentations and performances scheduled as part of the programme, the talent demonstrated was remarkable.

There were some illuminating and telling moments. At one of the plenary sessions the presenter – a government planning representative describing Vision 2030 – asked the audience to raise their hands to indicate how many, if they received a visa tomorrow, would leave Jamaica and migrate. Without hesitation about 75% of the conference participants raised their hands. What a statement - to see so many of the young people, who talk proudly of what Jamaica could be in the world, so disenchanted with the current trajectory that, given the opportunity, they would leave without hesitation.
At another plenary session the presenter, an adult Youth Advocacy Network promoter, asked how many of the audience thought things would improve if youth attended church more regularly. About 80% raised their hands. The role of Christianity, and particularly the old testament, is enormously influential.

I was responsible for moderating the opening plenary for Day Two. The prospect was a little daunting - promoting and managing discussion between 300+ adolescents at 9 in the morning! However, the session demonstrated I had no reason to be concerned. The topic under discussion was the vulnerability of young people with respect to crime and violence. The presentations were moving and there was more discussion from the floor than the time permitted. One of the striking aspects of the discussion was that these young people were willing and clear about the responsibility they have in contributing to the issue. They would not allow excuses to be made for the high levels of youth involvement in crime. But, they are demanding that the adults making decisions also take responsibility for the the demise they have promoted by the corruption and the need to maintain power for the privileged few.
The days were full of stories, some uplifting, many very troubling but all insightful and presented articulately. The government here garners little respect from these young people. They are conscious of the links between their communities' difficulties and those elected to represent them. With respect and apologies to George Bernard Shaw, what seems clear is that adults waste what the young have to offer!

The evening drive back from Montega Bay last Sunday was even more spectacular than anticipated. As we drove east along the north coast road the daylight faded, the sun set behind us, and in front of us a full moon rose over the Caribbean Sea. The brightness of the moon, bright enough to cast shadows, reflected off the water and lit up the road, the small towns and coast line through which we travelled. The occasional cloud that obscured the moon only served to increase its beauty as the rays shone through and from behind them. With waves breaking onto the shore to the left and the outline of the mountains rising to the right, palm trees clattering in the breeze and the warm, fragrant air through the open windows, it was a wonderful end to the weekend and restorative in preparation for the week to come!
Having been away last weekend, this week I have stayed close to home enjoying time with friends and colleagues in the city and, as planning for Christmas gets into full swing, I think other travels will be limited for the moment.

Best 50 Volunteer Blogs - In Jamaica made the list!

2010-11-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

http://www.connect-123.com/2010/11/02/the-best-50-volunteer-blogs-from-around-the-world/

This news was passed on to me by Mark (thanks) who is managing the return to the cold without complaining - well, too much anyway!

The site Connect 123 has In Jamaica listed as one of the best 50 volunteer blogs. Although this may not be the Pulitzer, for a neophyte blogger I feel quite chuffed!! With blogs one really never know who is reading them but apparently more than my immedidate family and friends. Thanks Connect 123.

Changing Seasons

2010-11-21T07:14:00.011-05:00

This week the mornings have been particularly lovely. As the days get shorter and the nights cooler the sun is only just peaking over the mountains and has not acquired the strength nor height to burn the clouds off as I head out to work. The clouds blanket the mountain tops, imitating snow, though with a softness of contour that snow covered mountains do not achieve. The clouds tumble down from the peaks, like benign avalanches that evaporate as they meet the warmth of the plains air rising from Kingston. It is a wonderful sight with which to start the day.

Another indication of the time of year and the season this week has been the many workers on ladders and in "cherry-pickers" wrapping the straight, tall trunks of palms with millions of Christmas lights! By the end of the week the shopping plaza parking lots were ablaze with Christmas lights and as the darkness sets in by six in the evening it looks wonderfully festive. It still looks a little incongruous to me that the trees illuminated are palm trees, but I am happy to accommodate this minor dissonance given the temperature won't drop below 24 degrees Celsius!

Work has been a typical combination of time with students, organisational change work and meetings, and work with the Ministry of Education.
As the demands of school increase for both teachers and students more suspensions are being given. There also seems to be an increase in gang activity in the schools. Students who are emulating the social structures that they experience in their yards, on the streets and in the communities. These are not sophisticated, highly structured gangs but rather loose groups of "friends" who form alliances to deal with perceived injustices. They form and reform in various combinations and characteristically are gender specific. Even with this loose formation leaders become apparent and these are often the students who come to the programme. They are often bright and articulate and painfully aware of the inadequacies of their environment and the limited potential the future offers.

The work at the Ministry of Education was focused on the development of a Behaviour Management Toolkit that is being developed to support all classroom teachers. A counselling department in one of the smaller universities was funded to develop the kit and after a year has presented a very poor product. The young woman at the Ministry of Education who has recently been delegated to manage and distribute the toolkit fully understands the product she has been provide with is unusable so has persuaded a number of us to work with her to re-format and redevelop the kit. There is an enormous amount of activity at the Ministry level to try and provide teachers with tools and training to assist in managing classrooms that have too many students, too few resources and high demands for academic achievement. this work is being done by many who are highly motivated to improve things but are also conscious that the economic environment is so constrained that producing and implementing the resources they are working on is going to be difficult.

The weekend has been spent in Montego Bay, doing nothing ambitious and enjoying the quiet relaxation of lovely surroundings. The drive up across the north coast road, which I have not done in a few months, provided vistas as lovely as ever. The day offered blue skies, sunshine and sunshowers, a beautiful sunset and a relaxed dinner beside the harbour with the friend who accompanied me for the weekend. Perhaps today a while at the beach after a slow, gentle start. And then we will return to the noise and bustle of Kingston, perhaps through Fern Gully or perhaps again tempted by the coast road that has endless horizons as we drive with the sun setting behind us.

(sunset pic courtesy of Steph)

A quiet week

2010-11-14T08:00:00.006-05:00

This week feels as if it has been quiet, though filled with things of interest. Quiet in that there has been no threat of hurricane, no major political events, no holidays, no travels outside Kingston. It has, however, included 3 days of Human Rights training, a day of consultation about implementation of parent resource centres and finally a day spent back with the students. All of which were interesting and stimulating.

The two week internship for our South-South colleagues provided the opportunity for Jamaicans for Justice http://www.jamaicansforjustice.org/. to put us to work for three days in discussion of developing a Caribbean-wide Human Rights virtual network. Having heard from those involved about their work and passion with respect to defending human rights, those of us at the workshop then spent the time together exploring how to develop a focused and accessible virtual network to support and resource all that are involved in defending human rights across the Caribbean. Each island has unique issues but each has issues in common and it was easy to pull together themes and a solid foundation upon which the network could be built. In Jamaica the primary focus for Jamaicans for Justice is police brutality, particularly the significant number of extrajudicial killings that occur every year in Jamaica. It has been reported by Amnesty International that the rates of extrajudicial killing by the Police and Defence Force in Jamaica is the highest per capita in the world.

The Internship has now concluded and new found colleagues have returned to their various islands in the Caribbean. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people and learn more of the Caribbean context, such as the country/Overseas Territory of Anguilla with a population of only 14,000 and the challenges and implications that has! The two representatives from Haiti spoke warmly of their country and brought a picture of a place that is more than just a series of catastrophic events, and the changes in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana that are having and impact on human rights and the population. There is clearly sound reason to bring these activists together and support a critical voice across the Caribbean.

Friday I spent back at the youth programme, which was delightful. Most of the day was divided between two students. The first, a student whose family has been significantly affected by the gang culture (his father and older brother were both executed through gang warfare) When I asked him what he wants to do once he has finished school his response is "become a community leader". This led to a very interesting conversation about whether he meant he wanted to become a Don, as Community Leader is often a euphemism used for the dons. He was clear he wanted to lead through peace and justice. His mother is intensely protective of him which is causing tension between them and our conversation explored why she might be so protective. We talked of how his long term ambition may be interpreted by her, through the eyes of a woman who has already lost a husband and son to gangs. It is interesting to recognise it may be better to discourage a young person from articulating he wants to become a community leader.

The second student, whose appearance led me to believe he was about 11 but I discovered he is 15, has been at the programme for a month and yet the youth peace facilitators are still certain he has not gained what he needs to return to school successfully. When told he would be expected to return on Monday he broke into tears. Discussion with him about his reaction provided the information that he has to walk to the programme from his home, which is in the far west of Kingston and over an hour's walk, because his family cannot give him bus fare. The discussion also surfaced that, although he presents as quite articulate, he can neither read nor write...perhaps this contributes to his difficulty in school? Having provided him with some time on my computer through which he started writing why he wants to return to school and the nominal funds required to get a bus home and back to the programme he left smiling and looking forward to returning on Monday. Again I was reminded of how little it takes to make a difference for these students.

As the sun was setting on a beautiful, sunny warm Saturday I walked down to the Jamaican-Hindu Diwali Festival. It was a lovely evening with a ceremony that explained the history of Diwali, women in beautiful silk saris of vibrant colours, men in crisp white cotton and thousands of tiny lights and candles. All were welcomed and after the ceremony a feast was shared to the accompaniment of traditional music and dancing.

Jamaica works hard to respect the many cultures that have created "One People Out of Many" .

Can you help? UPDATE! Nov 11th

2010-11-08T19:05:00.006-05:00

UPDATE FOR DONATIONS TO HELP SHIP GOODS TO WOMEN IN JAMAICA (and easier!): 1) go to the Seneca College website http://www.senecac.on.ca/ 2) click on donate to Seneca. 3) When at the donations page, under gift designations, click on other special projects, then in the description enter ECE Jamaica trip. Please help if you can. Marveth has given two months of her tiem to come to Ontario to get donations and really needs help with the cost of shipping the barrels back to Jamaica! ThanksFunds are needed to ship donations from Ontario to Jamaica.

The donations are for women in 2 communities that were flooded out by Tropical Storm Nicole. If you are able to donate to this cause I would really appreciate it: http://www.givemeaning.com/proposal/rivertonandsimon

This link will take you to the fundraising page. To establish the fundraising capacity I need 99 votes and then we need your donation! Please follow the directions and help us get these women and children back on their feet. Thank you....

Waiting for Tomas

2010-11-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Much of the week was spent watching and waiting for Hurricane Tomas. Having been surprised by Tropical Storm Nicole there was a vigilance about watching the progress of Tomas. The week was filled with emails and radio reports on hurricane preparation: 5 gallons of water per person, batteries, torches, canned food, staples that do not require warming, matches and candles, cash and well charged cell phones. Travel plans for the weekend were cancelled, check in systems established. For those with houses roofs were strapped down, shutters located and prepared. All this requires resources and so many do not have the additional financial resources to easily make these preparations. I was surprised about how consuming it was and how it affected all that was going on. Children and staff at the Youth Programme were unsettled. The longer I am here the more I appreciate how tenuous things can feel and how vulnerable so many people are to things beyond their control. Once again people's thoughts turned to Haiti, despite being so occupied with their own preparation and the potential hardship here many people spoke quietly of how it would be so much worse in Haiti so if it had to be a hurricane let it be here not there. However nature is neither kind nor discriminating and Jamaica escaped but Haiti did not. By Friday evening it was clear that Tomas had passed us by without incident leaving only the freshness of a cool breeze and a beautiful sunset as the sky cleared and the dark menacing clouds of the previous forty eight hours gave way to gentle wisps that looked like brush-strokes across the western horizon. There will be much activity over the weekend to determine how to help our neighbours to the east who seem to be subject to a heartbreaking string of disasters.

Work-wise my week was occupied by attending Mediation Training. Mediation training is one of the major activities for DRF and there were over 35 people in training this week. The participants represented countries from Canada, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad-Tobago. The training was engaging and it was a pleasure to get to know the other participants. We will have some catching up to do next week as all non-essential workers were required to be home from Thursday noon onwards so the roads could be kept clear in case of the need for emergency vehicles to have quick passage. This meant our training time was curtailed and will have to be made up to enable our certification. The value of alternative dispute resolution is enormous in Jamaica given the propensity for disputes to very quickly escalate to either adversarial and litigious or aggressive responses. One of the participants noted that the language and style of interaction, that of questions, clarification and re-framing, is quite different from the typical verbal interaction between disputants. It is true that even the verbal interactions one hears often sound aggressive and Jamaica patois has an aggressive tone.

On Wednesday evening I attended the launch of the book: "Music, Media and Adolescent Sexuality in Jamaica" written by Marcia Forbes. It was a well attended event with four government Ministers offering accolades and other privileged members of society commending the book. The findings of the research that underpins the book were familiar, reflecting in content the daily conversations we have with the students at the youth programme. There seems little confusion about what the issues are for youth, there is little confusion about actions that have the potential to have a positive impact but there is considerable difficulty in getting from theory to practice!

The week has ended with two days of sunshine accompanied by a fresh cool wind from the north bringing unusually low, but not unwelcome, temperatures. I walked down to friends' yesterday evening to enjoy a wonderful dinner and great conversation. It was perfect walking weather and I even enjoyed wearing a cardigan to fend off the chill in the air. 24 degrees is now the temperature that feels as if there is a chill in the air! The freshness promotes a sense of well-being and I look forward to a productive week without the distraction of emergency planning.

Hurricane season is not quite over

2010-10-31T08:00:00.003-05:00

The week has been somewhat challenging as much of what I have been involved in focussed on children as the victims of violence. I attended a two day consultation on the National Children's Action Plan - Children and Violence in Jamaica Workshop; worked on the implementation plan the for gender equity project The way Out; and had an exciting afternoon discussing the implementation of a new initiative - Parent Places - with an extremely committed parent education scientist/advocate. My time with the students was limited this week and I realise that my sense of accomplishment is always diminished when I have less time with the students!

I have spoken before of one of the gifts that those who come to contribute to Jamaica can bring is a sense of hope and optimism but there are times when sustaining a sense of hope is difficult and a week that is focused on the violence perpetrated against children certainly makes it difficult. There is an awareness of the need to make changes at all levels from how children are parented to how communities are supported, from how the bureaucracies operate to how leadership is effected. There are many documents with plans for change, and another soon to be released. Many are working hard at exploring how changes can be made, are enormously concerned about the future of Jamaica as the levels of violence and poverty increase and the levels of education and the country's infrastructure deteriorates. However, the opportunity to make changes that appeared to have potential following the incursion seems to be slipping away as it is clear there is no political will to effect fundamental change in the current power structure and no strategy to address corruption. The fierce pride in being Jamaica also seems to be a barrier to making change as the national identity includes pride in being an aggressive and competitive people. At the workshop there was discussion about whether this contributes to the difficulty in reducing the violence. Discussing the violence and its roots, who is responsible and the possible solutions is a national pastime, from taxi drivers to Permanent Secretaries, however implementing a sustained strategy to take action that will promote significant change seems seems to be notably absent.

The work week ended with a delightful dinner, in the garden of Star Apples, welcoming new

volunteers and a number of South-South interns. South-South volunteers are those who come from one developing country to learn from and contribute to another and this group will spend two weeks in Jamaica on a training programme to increase their knowledge of dispute resolution and human rights.
When sitting at a table of close to thirty people whose ages cover a range from early twenties to mid-sixties, whose nationalities span the globe, all engaged in animated conversation that shifts from one language to another with an ease that is daunting, all whose time, energy and intellect is devoted to contributing to improving the quality of life for those experiencing poverty and oppression, my hope and optimism returns. There are so many who contribute locally, nationally and internationally and I am fortunate to be surrounded by them. On that note, congratulations to Cathy Dandy http://www.cathydandy.ca/ and Tracy Folkes Hanson http://www.tracyhanson.ca/ ( (friends in Ontario) for their commitment and success in local elections. Their contribution will definitely be an asset to their communities!

The upcoming week is beginning with the threat of Hurricane Tomas, which appears to have potential to hit Jamaica by midweek. It also has the potential to hit Haiti and I truly hope it does not. For me, today will include preparation to ensure I have batteries, water, and food that does not require cooking or significant refrigeration as the inevitable consequence of a hurricane and the rains it brings is no power and no water for a period of time. I am once again house-sitting and the evening also promises some trick or treaters in the safety of this well secured community. Happy Hallowe'en!

Just trying to survive

2010-10-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Another week in the rainy season in which storms threatened but luckily for us, did not materialise here. There is a feel of change in the air, though subtle. Nights are definitely cooler and drop to 24 or 25 degrees, the rain is less frequent, the clouds less persistent and dusk is hurried and quickly ushers in dark before 6pm.

Although the work week was short it did not feel so! The youth programme was enormously over-subscribed with close to 50 students each day. As the first blush of the new school year fades, teachers are less tolerant and students more stressed. The youth peace facilitators did an amazing job of working with the students despite the constraints of too little space and too many needs.

On Wednesday the programme entertained a visit from a delegation of "important" people from UNICEF, the Child Development Agency (Jamaica's child protection agency), and the Ministry of Education. For nearly two hours the guests talked with a dozen of the students and the youth peace facilitators from Kingston and Spanish Town. The guests were wonderfully respectful of the students. They asked serious and difficult questions which the students answered thoughtfully and frankly. The representative from the Ministry concluded the discussion with one final question to the students: "If you could do one thing to change the schools what would you do?" The students' answer: "Have all the teachers be youth peace facilitators!" What greater accolade could the YPFs receive to confirm their success?

Jamaica is full of small vendors and higglers. At every junction in the city, on every major road across the country, around every market area in every town, commerce and entrepreneurialism are an integral part of survival in a country where there are far too few jobs and many leave school with limited literacy. From hand built stalls with blue tarps that are erected and remain day and night, to goods that are placed on the street and collected and stored at the end of each day. From pet shops to fruit stands, from steering wheel covers to newspapers, from jeans to Tupperware, any item you want can be found at a vendor somewhere. The majority are small and offer a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, sweeties, single cigarettes, soda, juice and water. Vendors walk the centre of the roads as cars are stopped at traffic lights or stuck on the congested city roads, artists and artisans display their works on fences and on street corners, farmers and gardeners carry their produce into the city or to the heavily travelled commuter roads. It is a service that is convenient and brought to the purchaser. The prices are cheap but not up for much negotiation. This is not a country of hagglers, the price is the price! This is an "informal" system of commerce with few vendors having the required permits. In a country where so many are poor this opportunity for commerce may be the only way to earn anything with which to feed family, buy lunch money and uniforms for children going to school and kerosene for the stove. Jamaica is abundant with resourcefulness and this is one of the ways in which it is displayed.

Over the last two weeks the police have determined that they will remove the "illegal" vendors from downtown Kingston. I am not sure of the reason for this, or who has initiated this action. To an outsider it would seem an impossible and unnecessary initiative, but it has been initiated and caused disruption and concern. The vendors certainly provide competition for the shop owners in the area, but market economies are supposed the thrive on competition! Certainly the stalls and wares obstruct passage along the pavements and streets but there are many other thoroughfares that accommodate cars and pedestrians can traverse the area and be wonderfully entertained! It feels as if it is another measure that targets those simply trying to survive in a country in which the poor and underprivileged are not adequately supported and are typically victimised and re-victimised.

The week-end provided the opportunity to attend, at the Grosvenor Galleries, the opening of a project that was the idea of a tremendously committed advocate for families and communities in Kingston, and supported by Jamaica National. The project "The Tivoli Resolution Project - The courage to look inward. The Determination to move forward" is a photo/video record of the opinions and impressions of those in Tivoli following May 24th incursion. http://www.yardedge.net/photography/the-tivoli-resolution-project-presents-an-exhibition-of-photograpy e-tivoli-resolution-project-presents-an-exhibi tion-of-photograpy

Ten young men who had been detained during the incursion were given cameras and asked to take photographs. They were interviewed by a small team who created a video record of the project. The photographs are mounted a displayed at a gallery in uptown, The Grosvenor Gallery and last night was the opening of the exhibition. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tivoli-Resolution-Project/148823995135396 Many of the photographs are powerful and engaging and it is remarkable to think they are the product of young men who had not used cameras before. The statements and descriptions captured in writing and on video are equally powerful. http://www.imagesnewsletter.com/?p=17748#comments Unfortunately the young photographers were not at the opening, despite the provision of transportation. It was discovered that there was a free Movado concert at the National Stadium! Apparently an easy decision for the young men - a sophisticated wine and cheese opening in uptown with strangers or a vibrant, free concert by one of the premier dancehall stars? Guess where they went!

The crossing of the boundary between uptown and the garrisons is something that appears to be happening a little more.There are many attempts to bring to the forefront the reality of life in the garrisons that is so hidden to many of the privileged. Though, as I knew many of the people who attended the opening, it is clear there is a core of activists and committed people providing leadership.

It has felt like a full and demanding week and I will take advantage of today's sunshine to relax and re-energise. Next week I am looking forward to following up with a new colleague to discuss the development of Parent Places across Jamaica and offer whatever help I can to her very ambitious project.

Kingston has been home for a year!

2010-10-17T07:48:00.014-05:00

As anniversaries often do this week has prompted much reflection about the past year. Kingston has now been home for me for a year. A year that has offered so much and included more than I had anticipated. I had anticipated the experience would expose me to a different world and challenges that would teach and stimulate me and I have not been disappointed. The year has also provided the opportunity for me to experience amazing support from good friends and family and warmth and concern from strangers. I have also learned that though the differences are many the commonalities are more and who we are and what we offer is the greatest determinant of our experience. Changing spaces promotes paying attention and it is the paying attention that offers the greatest opportunity wherever we are and whatever we are doing.

This week my attention has been focused on a few things: completing the final programme planning for a UNIFEM grant; further developing the programme for the adolescents in Burgher Gully; welcoming new volunteers; and of course the students at the Suspension Programme of which there have been many!

I spent two and a half days working closely with three other women finalising the activities to be engaged in for a proposal funded by UNIFEM. The focus of the proposal is to promote the capacity of women taking on leadership positions, from those in politics to those in the garrisons. It is an ambitious project but the women with whom I was working are wonderful examples of the energy and commitment that can be found amongst women here, despite the significant barriers to women assuming leadership positions. Another of those dichotomies of Jamaica - it is a country in which "mummy" has great respect and status but in which women have little power and influence. The capacity to support women assuming and maintaining leadership position needs to be built both institutionally and individually in both men and women. This is the ambition of the project and it was, although hard work, exciting to be able to contribute a little to the refinement of the project.

The Burgher Gully Project (affectionately named the Burgher Gully Boyz until a more appropriate title is settled upon) is feeling as if it might well offer a contribution to the range of things that could have a positive impact when trying to re-engage youth who have been recruited by gangs. It may successfully provide one first step to re-building relationships with the boys' community and parents but we will see.

My work with the students this week was to complete many discharge interviews. I was struck again by the fact that every week I will hear at least one story of a student who has witnessed the death by gunshot of a brother or other relative by either a gangster or police officer. The impact of exposure to this trauma is not really acknowledged and the capacity of the Victims' Services Unit falls well below the capacity required to support those exposed. It is evident that amongst the students, but as well the Youth Peace Facilitators, that it is hard to understand that there are places in the world where this is not the norm and it is reasonable to expect something different. Even our brief conversations at discharge seem to offer some relief and often the students return to check in. Having had a few weeks where my time has been more divided I realise how much I value and enjoy the time talking to the students. They are so responsive and engaging, with such energy. Spunky adolescents are an undervalued group!!

Three new volunteers arrived this week and will be joining DRF in the next fortnight. I look forward to getting to know them and hope they enjoy the opportunity of working at DRF as much as I am.

I have been very unambitious outside of work, doing little beyond my usual routine. The rain continues its almost daily deluge making for some damp walks. The stress on the infrastructure has been shown in water lock downs again (water,water everywhere and not a drop in the taps!) and occasional power outages. The traffic lights seem particularly vulnerable resulting in very congested streets and the advent of numerous police officers directing traffic at junctions. These can be wonderfully entertaining even if not necessarily particularly effective! There is one who accomplishes both entertainment and effectiveness. He is of fairly small build and wears enormous orange or white gloves making his hands look like large paddles at the end of thin sticks. The gloves serve to accentuate his dramatic, rhythmic and extremely energetic gestures, which, it should be noted, are not limited to his hands, and to which the drivers are very responsive! It is like watching a well choreographed performance with an extremely extrovert conductor!

This is a long weekend and The Heroes will be celebrated tomorrow so next week will be a short week which I hope sees the approval of the grant for the Burgher Gully Boyz!

No obligation

2010-10-10T08:12:00.001-05:00

The week has not been quite as wet as last however the rainy season is certainly more typical than my first October here! My umbrella has been pressed into regular service and my evening swims have occasionally been as wet out of the pool as in the pool. The days typically start with the sun rising strong and clear and only the slightest hint of clouds developing over the mountains. As the day progresses the hint of clouds changes to a mass of cumulus white that moves up and into the sky, by 4pm the clouds that looked like whipped cream spooned onto the mountains turn menacingly dark and move across the city depositing sheets of rain, typically just in time for my walk home! After an hour or so the clouds dissipate in preparation for the spectacular sunsets that accompany the rainy season. Through it all it remains hot, so I have no complaints!

This week I have learned more about the young men who get recruited into gangs. I am assisting in the writing of a proposal that will offer a brief intervention that is hoped to be the catalyst for the young men to abandon their guns and leave the gangs. It is interesting to explore who is vulnerable and why they are the ones who get the guns. It is also interesting to consider a brief intervention that will shift behaviour rather than a long term solution to the problem of gangs. The complexity of youth in gangs can be overwhelming and requires a multi-faceted approach, however we are exploring whether the use of a limited amount of funding and an intensive, targeted intervention may have some positive impact. It is a little chilling to think we will be able to offer personal invitations to 30 youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to join the programme. Equally disconcerting is the prospect of meeting with the "influential men" who recruit them so that we can get their support to offer an alternative!

Twice this week, whilst waiting at the bus stop, I have been offered a lift to work. On both occasions the people who stopped to offer me the lift had to go considerably out of their way to drop me at DRF but this was apparently not a problem. Having made the offer I was generously and graciously dropped at work as the drivers returned through busy traffic to their original destinations. Regularly I experience the ease with which offers are made and equally regularly I experience the ease with which Jamaicans ask for things. There is no awkwardness and no obligation. This can be quite disconcerting if one has been raised to "wait until offered" and "never impose on anyone". As transitory members of this society we are frequently asked "can I have your computer/ipod/phone etc... when you leave?". Initially this felt quite awkward for me. However what I have learned is there really is no obligation in the question and the request is reflective of the directness and practicality of Jamaicans rather than any expectation. This establishes that it is equally acceptable to answer with yes or no. More and more I appreciate the direct and uncomplicated interactions that seem dominant amongst Jamaicans.

The week has ended with a wonderful visit from Triple P colleague. We ventured up the mountain to Strawberry Hills for a lovely lunch on Saturday and despite torrential rain and one wrong turn we enjoyed the excursion. The rain stopped long enough for us to experience the amazing view across the plain upon which Kingston is built, to the harbour and sea. The visit has provided great conversation and stimulating discussions about how to manage the incredible uptake of Triple P across the world. Once again I was struck by the clear values and principled motivation of those who have dedicated their time, intellect and energy to Triple P.

The week ahead will be predominantly focused on the completion of two proposals and will end with the National holiday Heroes Day, celebrating the seven National Heroes, which means a long weekend. The week also includes the completion of my first year in Jamaica - how the time has flown!

Rain, rain go away...

2010-10-03T08:00:00.007-05:00

For the first time in a year I have experienced a week with almost no sunshine. So far the hurricane season has been relatively kind to Jamaica but this week, although Tropical Storm Nicole was not a hurricane, the rain was torrential and relentless for five days. There were spectacular thunderstorms that lasted for many hours and whose ferocity set off every car alarm within the vicinity and at the end of the week two days of more gentle rain and cloud. On Tuesday the schools were closed and remained closed for the rest of the week. The news held stories of houses being washed away, roads that had caved in, and many places were inaccessible due to landslides and floods. Much of the normal business of the week stopped as an enormous amount of effort and energy was diverted to the immediate situation. I was again struck by how distracting the immediate can be. I have previously written about the difficulty in looking at the long term view in a place where surviving today can assume all available energy, and such was the experience this week. The helicopters overhead were not patrolling for gangs and guns but were monitoring the flood waters and providing emergency supplies to those who needed them. This is not to say the police and defence force presence was not also keeping a close eye out for those who might take advantage of the chaos.
Much of the island was without power and water for periods of the week but things are returning to normal, silt is being bulldozed off the roads, potholes are being marked (not filled yet!) and a tally is being done for the required repairs. Another drain on the near empty government coffers, so, again, less will be available for education, health and justice.

Work-wise it was also a different kind of week. I participated in a five-day workshop sponsored by UNICEF. The rain added challenges to an already challenging week as the material presented had been designed for a three week course. Despite the rain most people (there were almost 30 of us) managed to get to the venue every day. The material being presented was a model of communication planning that assists in focusing action on creating bahavioural impact. There was lots of energy in the group and as usual lots of talent, both intellectual and creative. Although the model was not one that appealed to me (full of acronyms and more complicated than I think is feasible to apply) the value of the week was working with some very interesting and committed people.

Yesterday I attended the funeral service for the mother of a colleague. The service was lovely, a joyful celebration of the life being recognised. The marking of a death here has its own rituals and provides not only for the sharing of grief and loss but also for a celebration of the life lived. The rituals extend over two or three weeks with a series of events and gatherings that include a wide circle of family, friends and colleagues. The service I attended was far from sombre. It followed a familiar pattern of singing, eulogies and prayers but the tone was one of joy and celebration with active participation of the congregation. Attending offered the opportunity to share in another aspect of my colleague's life and get to know her better.

Today I am once again writing from the garden. The sun is shining and the only clouds in the sky are whisps of white. This is the first time in a week I have been able to sit in the garden and, as my house-sitting duties conclude tonight, I will try and take full advantage of this quiet haven for the day.

Next week I will be back at home, back at street level and back at the Youth Programme. I am looking forward to returning to my usual routine though enjoying lovely surroundings and the luxury of a car has been a welcome change. A large part of the work for the week will be to contribute to another funding proposal. This one focused on 40 youth who are currently part of a gang in a local community. The ambition of the project is to persuade these 14 - 19 year olds to give up their guns!

Kingston from a different vantage point

2010-09-26T07:58:00.010-05:00

This week has been one in which I have stayed close to home. No travels outside Kingston though being in Kingston has been quite different as I have the privilege of using a car at the moment. I realise my experience here would have been very different if I had always had access to a car, and it would have been a much more limited experience, though the occasional use of one is quite delightful! Cars are unquestionably a symbol of status here and when driving there are some clear assumptions about who I am. When I walk I generate considerable curiosity as white women in their fifties simply do not walk around Kingston and it causes some confusion, this appears to engage people as there is lots of conversation as I travel through the city. However driving a large SUV I fit expectations much more easily and it is interesting how this changes the interactions with people who are no longer curious about who I am as I fit their expectations. This makes me much more isolated from life on the street. Unquestionably life takes less effort with the use of a car but it is instructional to experience the difference and appreciate the opportunities I have had given a closer connection to the life style of the majority with less access to material luxuries.

The youth programme has been very busy. More schools are using the programme which demonstrates the importance of the programme but increases the frustration at the potential lack of funding come December. We are struggling with a location for the programme as it has outgrown the facility at the Peace Centre but there are no funds for securing an alternative. It is humbling to realise that $300 per month cannot be found to ensure the students have an adequate space to learn in.

There is considerable concern about funding from the Ministry of Education for even the basics as the government embarks upon an austerity budget. The level of debt is higher and the GNP is lower. The troubles have had an impact on tourism, many of the countries assets have been sold off. The economic difficulties seem overwhelming with a disproportionate amount of government funding being allocated to defence and policing. It will be interesting to see if the Public Service Transformation Process and Community Renewal Plan, two major government initiatives, can be implemented and can make a difference.

As usual the week offered a variety of activities for me one of which included being the CUSO-VSO representative at a reception for a Canadian Delegation of representatives from the National Judicial Institute and the Federation of Justice (though this has a much longer official name!) The eight person delegation was here for a week to explore the possibility of a partnership with the Judiciary in Jamaica to provide training and development and transformation of the administrative processes. It was apparent that the Canadian delegation was impressed with the capacity in Jamaica and looking forward to taking the next steps. The Chief Justice of Jamaica was extremely gracious to both the delegation and CUSO-VSO for its support in bringing the delegation to Jamaica. It was a very enjoyable evening.

My evenings and weekend have been spent at the house in the company of dogs, parrot and fish and it is lovely. I continue to enjoy the garden which has benefited from regular rain this week and enjoy the greetings I get from the dogs as I get home. The absence of hurricanes makes the task of house sitting a relaxed endeavour, though I am well prepped in use of generator, pump and support should a hurricane develop! Next week brings a week of participation in training sponsored by UNICEF which will mean I will not get much time at the youth programme. It will be a different kind of week...

Too soon to leave

2010-09-19T07:55:00.008-05:00

The week has provided a broad range of activities which has underscored for me how fortunate it is that circumstance gave me the opportunity to extend my service here. As the last of the volunteers with whom I arrived prepares to leave, it is clear to me that now would not feel like the right time for me to be leaving. Over the week I have been invited to contribute to a number of system-wide activities and been asked to provide my perspective to expand the dimensions of understanding to some of the complex issues that need to be addressed to change the trajectory of Jamaica. All of this in addition to the pleasure of spending time with students who, as school settles in, are again being suspended and referred to the programme. There is a strong community in Jamaica that works consistently and diligently toward finding solutions to Jamaica's complex difficulties. This is a community of many, whose commitment and intelligence is remarkable and I seem to have been invited to join, an invitation which I am excited to accept given I have time to participate.

Early in the week I participated in a Violence Prevention Alliance Committee which is providing leadership in pulling together and trying to rationalise the many disparate peace and justice initiatives in many of the 783 communities in Jamaica. Through this, discussion is generated about the role and responsibilities of local government, community-based organisations and national government and although these discussions address complex issues there is a real recognition that action must be taken soon and that co-ordination of everything is likely too ambitious. DRF is seen as a key organisation as it is has the capacity (though not yet fully realised!) to operate island-wide and has a value set and vision that is deeply entrenched in achieving peace and justice in Jamaica. Though the issues are complex and long-standing it feels as if a critical mass is building and change may be achievable and supporting some strategic initiatives in various communities may well have a positive impact.

Next on my agenda was a meeting at the Ministry of Education to assess a Behaviour Management Toolkit to be available and useful to all classroom teachers. The toolkit includes many of the strategies and activities developed through the Positive Behaviour Intervention Support system but requires further development. It will be a challenge to roll out the toolkit and from this meeting I was invited to join another group whose responsibility it is to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for all the Ministry of Ed programmes. This is a task I think I will enjoy participating in!

As the week drew to a close I focused on organising the planning work for the 5th Caribbean Conference on Conflict Resolution. The conference will be held in Jamaica in April 2011 and there is much to do between now and then. This will likely be the final event of my sojourn at DRF and I hope will be a good culmination of what I have been involved in.

These activities were punctuated by work with the students, programme development with the Youth Peace Facilitators and work on organisation structure for DRF. I feel extremely fortunate that I get so many opportunities!

The political environment continues to be unpredictable with internal issue for the ruling JLP, the Prime Minister's credibility being seriously challenged again and the Opposition seemingly unable to provide a viable alternative to a Government that only has a majority of one. Curfews continue as it becomes clear that "re-socialising" those communities in which the gangsters have power is a more difficult task that that of immediately disrupting them. Scandals in which sitting politicians are embroiled continue to surface and the possibility of the Government falling before the end of its term looks more likely again. However, despite the dissatisfaction with the current Government the prospect of an early election does not seem to excite anyone.

For the next two weeks I will be house/dog/parrot/fish- sitting for friends which means a very comfortable two weeks in a lovely house with a beautiful garden. It is from the garden that I am writing my blog. The sound of the birds and the running stream breaks the silence of the morning as the sun rises over the trees. The garden is a tranquil haven of lush vegetation, with orchids growing from the trunks of tall palms, banana trees in flower, blossoms of pink, purple, white and yellow interrupting the many shades of green.

In the decor and design both the house and the garden reflect the beauty of Jamaica and a respect for what the people and environment of Jamaica have to offer. It is a lovely place to be and a pleasure to house-sit, particularly as "the girls", two delightful little dogs, are very good company!

The past eleven months have been rich with developing friendships and respectful working relationships, and learning. The next seven months will provide me with an opportunity me to contribute in a way that had I been leaving in two weeks I would not have achieved. I hope I make the most of it!

First week of the new school year

2010-09-12T14:48:00.001-05:00

Monday morning was warm and sunny and the streets were full of children in crisp new school uniforms, well groomed hair and expressions that reflected both excitement and anxiety. It was the first day of the new school year and the buses, the roads and the taxis were full of students. Tiny children in gingham and ribbons grasping mummy's hand as they walk boldly into the school, teenagers in khaki and fresh white shirts meeting friends at the transport centre and university students at the shuttle bus shrieking hellos to friends not seen through the summer. Everyone, teachers and students hurrying to get to their first classes in their various schools. The ritual of the first day of school seems to have an unversality about it that reminds one that we share more across countries and cultures than we acknowledge.

The bustle and energy seemed infectious and at DRF there was a great deal of activity. The mediators were busier than through the summer weeks, with groups of clients and lawyers competing for too few meeting rooms. The Youth Peace Facilitators were in and out, completing orientations and presentations and settling their own children into new schools. We had visits from students from last year and the summer programme checking in for letters giving them permission to go back to school or just to let us know how things had started at school. I was busily involved in trying to pull together two different proposals (one with more potential than the other, but its always worth trying!) The summer break is definitely over!

To slow the pace at the end of the week I joined 3 colleagues and we headed to a little guest house at a lovely beach on the north coast. Winnifred Beach is just east of Port Antonio, which is fast becoming one of my favourite areas of the island. The beach is a curving cove with a long reef that breaks the waves as they enter the cove. It is not a beach frequented by tourists but a favourite spot for local residents. On the beach, set back, great food is available sold from modest huts and a couple of bar/restaurants, as well, a great range of crafts from the artisans who are wonderfully engaging and not the least aggressive.

Sunday morning started out hot and sunny so we walked down to the beach, a quick morning dip in breakers that were more impressive than on Saturday and then settled down to read. In short order black clouds started amassing from the east and within half an hour there were tremendous winds and driving rain. We sheltered in one of the restaurants with a number of the artisans and vendors and enjoyed discussion about the best places in Jamaica. Among the discussants Portland was unquestionably the winner! After an hour the wind and rain had ended, the clouds were breaking up and the sea settling back down. The relaxation resumed and lunch included fresh corn on the cob, boiled in a spicy shrimp soup - delicious!

Mid-afternoon we reluctantly left the peace and tranquility that had settled back to Winnifred Beach and re-energised us for the week ahead, and drove back over the mountains to the hustle and bustle of Kingston.

Although things are more settled than in May, the soldiers and police were on the road as we entered the city from Stoney Hill and the news of further curfews in Tivoli reminds one that Jamaica still has much to address.

Achieving paradise is still elusive, though there are glimpses of it in places like Winnifred Beach.

Next week will bring the need to finish proposals and no doubt will see the first suspensions and the referral of students to the programme.

Settling back home

2010-09-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Having arrived home late on Sunday evening I was up and out early to start the work week. The two weeks I was away were relatively quiet at DRF with many on leave as the summer holidays wind down.

This week however has been busy. There is a sense of urgency and pressure as parents get their children ready for school. Demands on tight budgets are high as uniforms and books need to be purchased and fees need to be paid. This adds a tremendous stress to most of the families and youth that attend the programme. Youth are concerned that their Mummy's will not be able to manage the additional expenses for the several children in the family, there is more talk about the minimal support that is provided by many fathers and fewer of the youth had bus fare or lunch money. The stress extends to the Youth Peace Facilitators, some of whom are experiencing the same struggles, and the Manager who will start graduate school but continues to work to support herself, her younger brother and others in her family. There is a culture of sharing income for those who make it that does not feel like an unwelcome obligation or expectation but rather a reasonable way of addressing finances in a society that clearly does not have enough capacity to offer jobs and income to all. There is no residual sense of owing but there is an increased sense of responsibility to use whatever opportunities are supported. In this spirit, those of us that have funds make sure that lunch is available to the youth and staff at the programme and my colleagues contribution of J$5,000 will be of great benefit in the weeks to come. Thank you!

The week included a trip to Spanish Town to celebrate the training of over 30 new mediators, through the EU partnership "We Want Justice". The training was provided to Justices of the Peace and it is exciting to see more and more decision-makers in the Justice system becoming familiar with an approach to settling conflict that is neither authoritarian nor adversarial. Alternative Dispute Resolution promotes each party taking responsibility and requires they find a solution between them. The Mediator facilitates but does not direct or pronounce adjudication. This approach has real capacity to impact the paternalism and judge and punish culture that is so pervasive and destructive in Jamaica. The participants were energised, excited and proud of their newly learned skills and it was delightful to celebrate with them.

I returned to Jamaica in time to say goodbye to one of the volunteers that has been on the journey with me since our first training in Ottawa in June 09. He has made an invaluable contribution to DRF through his work with finances and technology and is held in high esteem and great affection by those who worked with him. I will miss our lunch time consultations, discussions and occasional gossips, he with his gourmet creations, me with my avocado salad or cheese and crackers! As part of the original team that initiated the project at DRF I will miss his investment, energy and colleagial approach to the work. He was also a great travel companion who comfortably explored new places in an easy-going fashion. I wish him well in his next ventures...

Through the week I have settled back into my usual routine. The days have been hot and sunny and have been punctuated by brief but intense rainstorms that come and go so quickly one just waits them out. The city is incredibly green and lush, the vendors have all manner of fruit and roots available from sweet sop to bread fruit. I have enjoyed my walk and the warm greetings and news from the people I see regularly between home and work. I hear of their sons and daughters, their joys and challenges and feel included in their lives in a small way. No threat of hurricane so far this season, and all including me, hope the season spares the island from another challenge. It seemed peculiar that I was in touch with my daughter in Halifax discussing hurricane preparedness and, as is typical of her, she was well prepared and fared fine, kindly and responsibly checking in with her mother so I did not worry!

The week ahead looks busy with decisions to be made about another proposal submission for an EU call, school orientations, commencing the evaluation of the suspension programme, re-integrating students back to school, and setting up the planning group for the 5th Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution. It is good to be back and good to be included in so many facets of work in Jamaica.

Two Weeks in Toronto and many Goodbyes

2010-08-31T09:00:00.007-05:00

This is a blog of a different nature as the last two weeks were not spent In Jamaica but in Toronto.

The two weeks were full of both joy and sorrow. It was wonderful to spend time with Haley and Tasha and hard to believe it is a year since doing so in Toronto! I made my first foray into working with NIRN and enjoyed a very stimulating day as a new project was being established. I spent a wonderful evening in Jamaican style thanks to the hospitality of Lloyd and Kharma. I also enjoyed the support of a very dear friend who ensured I did not get completely overwhelmed by the goodbyes that seemed to come fast and furiously!

Serendipitously the trip seemed to become the time to say goodbye to the past 35 years and move forward. Our family home of 22 years is no longer available to Haley, Tasha and me. We camped out there for the last couple of weeks, moving out the final shipment of memories and feeling sad that it will not be the place the girls will bring their children when that day comes. The house has such different meanings to each of us but whatever our feelings it was a home in which we grew together, provided a hang-out for scores of friends and was the place of gathering for many Christmases. Although the bricks and mortar are not the critical element there is no doubt that a family home has a special place in the life of growing children and a family's journey, and this journey has concluded. It has been amazing to see the girls grow and to be part of their friends' lives and I hope wherever I next settle that will continue.

I also collected my personal effects from the office at Kinark, thus concluding the 35 years of work there. It was very difficult as I still have great affection and respect for the organisation and will miss being part of the next era for Kinark. However, it was not to be, so I look forward to new challenges and opportunities, whatever presents itself.

The final goodbye was to Auntie Carm. Auntie Carm has been the surrogate grandma for my children for the last 20 years, providing the link to an older generation and family history that is so important. Her health finally failed her, though in almost exactly the way in which she wanted, allowing her to live independently for all but the last few weeks of her life. Her final three weeks were spent in Toronto first at her nephew's home and then lastly at an incredible hospice, Perram House. Perram House is a wonderful old mansion that provides final care for eight residents at a time. The nurses, caregivers and volunteers were so caring and respectful as they ensured Carm was comfortable. I was able to spend many hours with Auntie Carm during the time I was in Toronto, and saying goodbye was a privilege I was not sure would be afforded to me. This was a goodbye of sadness at the loss but joy in the knowledge that she had comfort as she had wanted and could leave this world with ease and her family around her.

The events of the two weeks left me with regret that I could not see friends whom I had anticipated seeing, though phone calls from the same land mass seem to make one feel closer! It was very good to talk to people, and perhaps the next visit will afford dinners and longer conversations.
So... on to the next era. Returning to Jamaica and getting back to work on Monday morning was wonderful. My little apartment is now filled with good music thanks to a birthday present from a dear friend (speakers that I could carry back in my suitcase!) The next nine months will be exciting both in the continuing work at Dispute Resolution Foundation as well as in exploring what other opportunities may be available to me at the conclusion of my work here.

Jamaica - 48 years of Independence

2010-08-08T09:00:00.004-05:00

This week is affectionately known as EmanciPendence Week as it is bookended with Emancipation Day on August 1st and Independence Day on August 6th. Both are National holidays so the work week was short and the city quiet as many people take advantage of using fewer leave days for a week off work.

On the brief days of work I participated in another meeting developing a collaborative proposal to be submitted to the EU. So much time and energy is put into securing the funding that can promote changes and development in Jamaica and there are moments that it feels unnecessarily difficult. However, there are also moments, such as this meeting, that it is evident that the process of securing the funding also has a significant outcome. The linkages and capacity of the five organisations involved in partnering to submit this proposal will, unquestionably, be strengthened through the process of developing the proposal. I believe new ideas and ways of working together will emerge whether or not the funding proposal is successful.

Friday was Jamaican Independence Day and at 9am as I sat on my balcony the sound of the National Anthem being sung at King's House drifted over the 2 kilometres distance that separates my apartment from the Govenor General's official residence, followed by cheers and resounding applause.

Marching bands and music, a parade of over 2000 participants representing diffferent communities and priorities and a gala event filled the day with celebration and pride.

A number of us went down to the National Stadium for the evening Gala Event. The stadium was filled to capacity on a perfect evening. As the sun set behind the walls of the stadium, once again the National Anthem echoed across a sea of proud Jamaicans and I thought of the promise that must have been felt on this day 48 years ago and the struggles that have ensued and are still being faced. On Independence Day the achievements are proudly recognised and the pride in being Jamaican joyfully celebrated.

The event included presentations by all who had participated in the parade, and as the stadium field was filled by the community groups, they replaced the green of the turf with a carpet of vibrant colour from the glorious costumes that had been designed and created by the each of them. These were not the exotic and provocative costumes of the Carnival Parade but costumes that reflect the colours and potential of the country, greens and yellows, reds and oranges, blues, pinks and purples. Presentations that represented the butterflies and the sun , the sea and the verdant greenery of Jamaica. Of course, there were also dance performers, bands and celebraties. The crowd danced and sang and celebrated in the warmth of the tropical night and the pride of a unity that feels sometimes fractured, but not on this night.

The day gave me reason to pause and think about how strong the Jamaican identity is and how such a small place with a population only the size of that of Toronto has made itself felt throughout the world. It is a country that embodies such determination in so many and expects a level of excellence in its achievements. It is a country that has embraced all the nationalities that have come here over the years and created One People not through a requirement to kowtow to a dominant culture but because it did not insist on cultures and colours being separated. It is a country of tremendous intellectual capital, talent in all aspects of the arts and sports and a level of agressive determination that has served it both well and created difficulties. It is a country in which harmony is hard to find but beauty greets you at every upward glance, where much is in disrepair but where all are fiercely proud, where family is of the greatest importance but self is the driving force, where there is great abundance and immense poverty, where opinions are strong and there is little compromise. It is a country of contradictions, tensions and dichotomies and it continues to be a place of incredible promise.

At the end of next week I will be returning to Ontario for a couple of weeks so there will likely be an hiatus in my blog posts as I will not be "In Jamaica". I am excited at the prospect of a little time with family and friends. It will be a trip that punctuates the beginning of a new era for me. The girls and I will finalise moving out of our family home of 22 years, I will complete the move out of my office and employment at Kinark and I will explore the possibility of a new project with the National Implementation Research Network. When I return I will be poised for another nine months in Jamaica and excited to build on the knowledge I have gained to date. Life is an endless series of opportunities!

Emancipation Day

2010-08-02T13:00:00.002-05:00

It is Monday morning on Emancipation Day and my apologies for the late post! Sunday morning was spent watching the sunrise over the Caribbean from high atop a cliff at Boston Bay, Portland. This activity assumed my full attention and given I was spending the weekend at a wonderfully rustic spot the computer remained off all day! The weekend ended a week full of discussions and promise that reinforced the potential of the current opportunities for Jamaica. The week's discussions included a meeting at the Violence Prevention Alliance, University of West Indies, a meeting with the Bureau of Women's Affairs and a meeting in Denham Town, West Kingston. All served to demonstrate the commitment to change and the hope that is currently felt.
At the Violence Prevention Alliance the room was bursting with people who had been invited to start the process of building a collaborative to address the violence and rebuild the troubled communities. Each Ministry and organisation was given the opportunity to present the work they are currently engaged in and asked to position it within a context of coordination with others. This is a new approach and will be difficult as the predominant method of operating is competitive. Competition is a method well aligned with the cultural norm in Jamaica, which starts with competition for access to pre-schools and continues throughout school, in adult life the competitive processes instituted to acquire funding both from the govenment and from international funding agencies continue the support of a competitive as opposed to cooperative mode. Moving to cooperative and collaborative requires much reassurance and re-education.
As well, at the meeting, I heard a most heartening comment from the department responsible for developing the government plan..."our policy is no longer to negotiate with the gunmen, we are neutralising them." Although I did not explore what 'neutralising' constitutes, evidence is that the gunmen are being rounded up and held. Having reacted strongly in the past at community meetings that talked of needing to engage the "influential men" to allow community develoment, it was wonderful to hear that there is a recognition that peace cannot be built on a system that supports the power of the gangsters. This is a very significant change in strategy.
With the Bureau of Women's Affairs our disucssions centred around the implementation of a sucessful funding proposal to promote the influence and independence of women from the troubled communities. The project provides for four years of education and skills training so that women can become entrepreneurs, and empowering women to influence the governance processes. It is an ambitious project.
On Thursday I returned to Denham Town for our weekly meeting to plan the community days in West Kingston prior to school opening in September. The community centre was full of people, and there was a cadre of police officers and burly men at the doors and watching from the open second floor gathering space. This seemed somewhat unneccesary for our small planning meeting! Further exploration determined that Prime Minister Golding was in the building making himself available to meet with individual constituents, of which there were hundreds waiting patiently to see him. West Kingston is his riding and he has much work to do to restore trust and hope following the years of political tribalism, gangster control and the recent incursion.

Friday was the last day of the two week summer camp. The students were in fine form and enjoyed the celebration of what had been learned and achieved over the two weeks. I am sorry we could not continue the camp through August as it has provided a safe and relaxing place for the students who have attended but the Youth Peace Facilitators need time to re-energise and take holidays before school starts again and there is no funding for other staffing. August will be a month without students, unless there are children who drop in at the Peace Centre so my efforts will be focussed on community activity,developing the programme manual and evaluation.

The weekend....2 days at the Great Huts, Boston Bay, Portland. Portland is a parish on the north coast situated to the east and is the parish that enjoys the reputation of having the least violent crime. The coast road takes one through small towns that appear relatively prosperous, farming and fishing providing abundantly for those who live there. The coast line is beautiful with great variety. From long beaches and rocky shoreline one wends ones way east to craggy cliffs that are pitted with caves created by the relentless crashing of the waves against the relatively soft limestone rocks. All along, the shoreline has traditional fishing boats of bright colours, fishermen carrying strings of fish and lobster, nets and lobster pots strewn on the rocks for repair or having been disgarded by the changeable sea. This part of Jamaica was once the place of choice for visitors but in an era before huge, highrise all-inclusives. There are a few elegant old hotels along the road, most no longer provide hospitality but are a reminder of an era past. However there are still hotels and villas available from extremely exclusive to modest and eco-friendly. Our destination was the latter variety and proved itself to be the perfect spot for a very quiet, low-key respite. The Great Huts is at Boston Bay (the home of some of the best jerk in Jamaica) and is nestled on a cove that offers safe swimming in a bay that displays endless shades of turquoise from pale azure to deep indigo. The accommodations are quirky and delightful. The most luxurious being bamboo tree houses with beds built into the trees and huge custom made baths that look out over the bay, to the most modest which are "tents" of some permanence with tin roofs and large hanging batiks covering the walls. The floors are mainly sand, the decor reflects the African heritage of most of Jamaica's population and there is a general sense of care and affection thoughout the "resort". The vegetation is so dense it feels as if one is in the depths of the rain forest until one follows the path to the lounge... a room perched high at the top of the cliff , above the canopy of trees and vines. The view is east and provides a vista of Boston Bay, and the endless cliffs, caves and bays that stretch eastward, and the Caribbean. The quiet around sunrise is wonderful and the sea on Sunday morning reflected the quiet, as it gently rolled into the bay and lapped against the cliffs. It was a truly restorative break from the city. Dinner on Saturday evening was served to the accompaniment of singing from our host and the owner of The Great Huts, Doctor Paul and a performance from the Portland Performance Group. Doctor Paul, as well as being coommitted to and invested in supporting Jamaicans through providing free health care, supporting a shelter for the homeless, providing employment through the Great Huts and supporting the cultural activities through using the local talent, sings extremely well! The performance by the Portland troupe was well presented, though the depiction of the slave trade which was part of the Emancipation Day performance was a disturbing reminder of the history of manyof the peoples who are part of the Many that make the One People of Jamaica (Out of Many, One People)

Sunday, having started with the peace of a beautiful sunrise, ended with the drama of glorious thunderstorms which I also watched from the lounge on the cliff. Rolling, rumbling peals of thunder, cracks of brilliant lightening from black clouds moving rapidly across sea and into the bay, and with the clouds torrential downpours of rain and great gusts of wind. The children swimming squealed and shrieked with delight as the waves pounded onto the beach and they got as wet from the rain as from the sea! As the storms eased up it was time for us to leave and return to the city, warm from the sun, the sea and the lovely hospitality.

Summer Camp, curfew and conformity

2010-07-25T08:00:00.003-05:00

This week has definitely felt like summer. It is hot and humid, the youth programme has started its summer camp and there are fewer people at the office, on the roads and on the buses.

My days have been divided between the office and the "camp". The Kingston programme camp is a day camp being run for a number of the students referred from schools. It is operating out of the Eastern Peace and Justice Centre which is located at the junction of two major roads in the east of the city, Mountainview and Windward. It is a vibrant neighbourhood, though surrounded by neighbourhoods that have seen their share of trouble in the past and recently. Unfortunately Monday saw these neighbourhoods under curfew which created some difficulty in getting around though the main streets to the south and west were accessible. In addition the curfew brought a strong visible presence of heavily armed military and police in full fatigue and bullet proof gear. I am still not used to moving around neighbourhoods restricted by the curfew but there are many who appreciate that this may be a positive indication of the country's commitment to continuing to round up the gang leaders and members. The curfew was lifted on Thursday, which may have been a result of the conclusion of the State of Emergency by the government. The conclusion had not been anticipated and the editorial in the Gleaner suggested it was the result of poltical miscalculation by both parties when a motion was introduced into Parliament early this week. The sceptic in me wonders if this is true or whether the opposition was trying to defend its political strongholds in the east of the city from the scrutiny of curfew. I think I am at risk of becoming a conspiracy theorist! Mistrust is certainly pervasive here and and it is difficult to view political motivation as benign given the political history of the last forty years.
The camp is going well, though not as well attended as had been hoped the twenty or so students attending are enjoying it thoroughly. It is a combination of recreation, activities, presentations and continuing work on decision-making and conflict resolution skills. The location allows for lots of activities and is big enough to accommodate pick-up football games, and impromptu performances. I have previously described the Eastern Peace and Justice Centre and now I have had a chance to see it in use it proves itself to be a great space. There is one downside - it means a number of student have an extra fare to pay to get there which accounts to some degree for the limited numbers. It had been hoped we would get some funding to support transportation but no funding has materialised. As one enters through the ten foot high gates (which are left open) there is an immediate sense of a safe haven and place in which one can relax. Colourful murals around the walls speak to peace and partnerships and although it would benefit from repair and maintenance it provides a free and open space for the students to congregate.

One of the conversations this week centred around the propensity in Jamaican society to conform. When talking about travelling on the buses with another Canadian, she told me that when she asked why she should not travel on the bus the person with whom she was talking stopped and looked at her quizzically and simply said "People like you don't travel on the bus!" "Like you" meaning white/light/middle class. This comment made me stop and think about how much people can and can't do as governed by social norm in Jamaica, how remarkably constricting it is and yet how people rigorously conform. From women in white-collar jobs being required to dress in dark suits with long sleeves, high heels and tights in temperatures that almost invariably exceed 30 degrees (it seems acceptable for men but not women to forego the jacket) to being required to have a car so as to avoid public transportation, from deference to authority acquired by colour or position to adhering to greetings determined by a protocol from an era past. Conformity however is not restricted to the middle class, it is as dominant at all levels including the "uniforms" that dancehall followers are expected to wear and the behaviour gang members have to adopt. Although I am aware that all societies are subject to conformity requirements those in Jamaica seem less constructive to general well-being than they might be and steeped in a history that might be better shrugged off. It is also quite contrary to the fiercely individualistic attitude that seems culturally dominant, once again I am reminded that Jamaica is place of dichotomies!

The rainy season is living up to its reputation. There is rain almost every day and frequently at the time at which I am preparing to leave the office. The rain falls in sheets that drench one in seconds so I typically wait it out until it has stopped, which is rarely as long as an hour, then wend my way between the rivers and ponds that are the immediate remnants of the downpour. These have generally disappeared after my brief end-of-day swim when I am on the last leg of the walk home. The moving clouds and moisture in the air provide perfect conditions for spectalular sunsets, with evening songbirds and treefrogs celebrating noisily as the sun re-emerges for the last daylight hour and dusk. The days are getting shorter and although the changes are subtle I am beginning to appreciate the differences in the seasons in this wonderful tropical climate.

Comings and goings

2010-07-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

The week offered quite a variety of activity and visits to three other DRF locations, visitors coming and going, volunteers heading back to Canada for holidays and colleagues returning to engage in new endeavours.

The youth programme in Kingston was focused on preparing for summer camp and my work was directed in different directions. On Monday, with the assistance of another volunteer, I completed a proposal to expand the number of Peace and Justice Centres in the troubled communities across the island and providing an accessible unit cost framework. It was positively received by the Ministry to which it was submitted and immediately generated a letter of support to the funding body which is very encouraging, though a long way from a funding commitment. Then I headed out on the road with others to visit the youth programme in May Pen, Spanish Town and Montego Bay. We installed a new database developed by a volunteer a few months ago and met with the staff.

In Spanish Town the computer cafe was being actively used by a number of adolescents and the youth peace facilitator was dividing his time between the small number of youth attending the suspension programme, those using the computer centre and a group of enthusiastic young volunteers helping put the final touches to the summer camp plan. The plan looks great with the only stumbling block being the one typical of here - where will we find the very modest funds required?

In Flanker, Montego Bay we were greeted by lots of children already involved in summer activities. the Flanker Peace and Justice Centre is invariably a hive of activity and has made a tremendously positive impact on the community. It feels very much as if it is owned by the community and there are many local volunteers supporting the skeleton staff that operates the centre. They look forward to a church group from Miami visiting next week to run a summer camp for the second time. We then went into Montego Bay to the Peace and Justice Centre downtown which is looking much smarter than when we last visited with the addition of new desks, chairs, tables and computer equipment with support from DRF and CUSO-VSO, though again operating funding is a major issue.

It was wonderful to get out on the road and I am quickly reminded how much variety there is in this country. The drive is long, three and a half hours to cover the 180kms to Mo-bay, but quite lovely. As one winds ones way through the narrow mountain road there is no need to go hungry. Along the way the road is lined with fruit higglers and jerk centres. I was introduced to guinep on this drive, a fruit quite similar to lychee and deliciously juicy. Some other fruits available at the moment are jack fruit, pineapple, mango, apples, june plums, and of course the perennial bananas, papaya and oranges, all ready to be eaten as one travels the road! In addition there are many small stands that offer an even wider range of fruit and vegetables, as well as fresh fish stalls. Another illustration of the dichotomy of Jamaica - despite the poverty and hunger in the city it is indeed a land of plenty.

Thursday I was back in the city and meetings in Denham Town. The plans for summer camps and family days are coming together, though it requires much discussion and clarity about the boundaries and locations of events. It felt as if those involved are becoming weary and need a boost. It has been a very difficult few months and the complexity of making significant change is occasionally overwhelming. As is not unusual in community development the leadership and energy lies with a small group who have been working arduously to make sure the current crisis is experienced as the opportunity it also provides.There remains much mistrust, anger and grief in the communities and these take there toll on those working there.

One of the things that has become evident in my nine months here is the movement on an off the island both for short absences and long. It seems to be an integral part of Jamaican life from the adults that go to "foreign" to work, the students that go to "foreign" to university, the absent parents who live "foreign" , the professionals who take their education and their intellect and emigrate to the US, Canada or the UK, and those of us that come here for work or positions and move on and off regularly. It adds a transitory air that is not perhaps a positive element and I think may limit the emotional and real investment in the island. I think it might also contribute to the limited long-term vision and lack of accountability. On the other hand is also brings a sense of linkage to the rest of the world and an awareness of other countries and cultures that has a beneficial effect. It is a component of island life that I will give more thought to as it unquestionably has an impact, perhaps both positive and negative.

Next week will provide the opportunity to audit the International Institute of Restorative Practices Training for Trainers which is being provided to support the roll out of restorative practices by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with DRF. My hope is to get insight into what the trainers and the programme will need to ensure an effective long term implementation, a process that to date has not been afforded the attention it requires.

Broadening my scope...

2010-07-11T21:25:00.006-05:00

The week feels as if it has been full of opportunities, and consequently the time has disappeared. I am getting involved in a wider range of projects at DRF, becoming more involved in the community renewal process for West Kingston, met a group of volunteers - Students Crossing Borders - who have done some amazing work and had a lovely trip up to Ocho Rios on the weekend.

The increase in scope at work is in part as a result of the impact of May 24th and the continued focus on the garrison communities. The crime stats for June were an improvement though still extremely high, there are still large numbers of soldiers moving around placing one community or another on curfew. Curfew means you can only move in and out of the community if you have the correct I.D. and many do not, it also means the soldiers are entitled to search homes, cars and people as they choose. Given how intrusive and difficult this is I really hope it increases safety and in the long run contributes to things improving. My focus has been two-fold - one short term and one long term. The short term activity entails working with the West Kingston Working group to contribute to the co-ordination of summer camps.The long term is developing and writing a proposal to open or expand Peace and Justice Centres in four of the most trouble parishes as the government strives to find a means of re-establishing some level of trust and a means to establish non-violent methods of resolving disputes. The final draft of the proposal was sent to the CEO tonight (today was spent writing and calculating hence the late blog entry!)
It has been a catalyst to articulate a replicable model with a clear understanding of the capacity available and funding required. I think the model has good potential to help in proposals and expansions for a few years to come so feels as if it is a significant piece of work in our goal to increase the organisational capacity of DRF.

In addition to these activities I had the pleasure of seeing a friend from Kinark. She and her daughter are in Kingston for two weeks doing volunteer work with Students Crossing Borders. They are involved in work in schools and in centres that care for children with HIV/AIDS through an organisation called Mustard Seed Communities. The group welcomed me one evening for dinner and to share my experiences here and then invited me to join them for dinner yesterday at a great fish restaurant in Port Royal ( a favorite spot!) Dinner followed a day in which we had headed to the north coast to swim with dolphins (which we didn't do!) but did enjoy swimming in the Caribbean and the two visitors swam and snorkelled with the sting rays! We went north through Stoney Hill through the twisty, narrow mountain road that leads tiny villages, follows the river and ends as one drives through banana plantations as one reaches the coast road to Port Maria. The trip home was via the craft market in Ocho Rios where bargains were accomplished as well as a wonderful discussion with one of the vendors about how to change Jamaica. Once we left Ochos we drove through Fern Gully, which has not dulled in its magnificence despite many trips through. Two kilometres of deep green gully with steep stone wall, hanging vines and rain-forest lushness, a canopy that filters the sunlight creating a sense of mystery in the muted depth and then one emerges high in the mountain with the sun shining and the moutains and pastures stretching ahead. It was a lovely day and it has been such a pleasure to spend some time and talk of how things are in Ontario.

At the end of the evening I drove back from Port Royal round the Palisade and into Kingston. There was an army checkpoint on the road, though nothing unpleasant, it was another reminder that all is not yet well in Kingston.

Next week will bring more travel, to Spanish Town and Montego Bay and I hope one more opportunity to see the friend from Ontario.

(apologies for the lack of images but a glitch is interfering with the upload!)

Community Development and Celebrations

2010-07-04T08:00:00.005-05:00

This week has provided a broad range of activities at work which contributed to a busy, demanding and interesting week, but limited time and energy for other activity so a Kingston-based week. In addition to my role at the youth programme, I have joined the West Kingston Communities Working Group and the Steering Committee for a recently approved project "Young Man Nuh Lingah" targeting "corner youth" in 10 communities in 3 parishes.

The West Kingston Communities Working Group has a mandate to develop and implement a co-ordinated support and re-building process for the three communities most directly affected by the May 24th action. It includes a wide range of community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and government agencies. The discussion ranged from strategising about how to deal with the depth of the trauma that has been identified through screening 400 school children to how to develop a template that can be applied across all the Garrison communities and communities of 'informal settlers" across the country, all this in an environment of economic constraint. There were a number of things that were striking to me in the meeting. One was the apparent surprise of those who completed the trauma screening at the depth of trauma identified through the screening and how many students are suffering from severe trauma. This was striking to me as it has been my experience that the majority of the students who are suspended and attend the Youth Programme demonstrate indications of severe trauma, and this not as a result of a single event but as a result of their exposure to the "usual" violence perpetrated in the Garrison communities. It is hard to imagine the gulf between "uptown" from where most of the psychologists analysing the screening come and "downtown" is so great that there is little understanding of what children and youth are facing daily in their communities.

Another thing that was striking was the use of language. Just as at a previous community meeting I had noted the use of the term "influential men" which seemed to sanitise the real role these men play in the community, two of the terms used in the meeting were "regularising" and "informal settlers". "Regularising" is applied to the action being taken by the Jamaica Public Service and the Ministry of Housing and Water to re-institute charges and billing for electricity, water and rent. One of the indicators of how powerful the gangster control was of Tivoli is that residents were not required to pay the government agencies for utilities and housing as the gangsters would not let the authorities into the community. As can be imagined "regularisition" is not necessarily a well supported activity! "Informal settlers" is the term applied to squatters. There are many abandoned buildings in downtown and many are utilised by squatters, in fact the history of the Garrisons is founded on squatters. Historically as a result of the migration from the countrylarge numbers of people looking for work in the city squatted on the grazing lands (Pens) around Kingston building shanty towns. This was how the communities were first populated and built. The term "informal settler" is used with much greater respect than is implied by "squatter" and appears to legitimise those who have been forced to find shelter this way. This was encouraging to hear. I learned a great deal and look forward to my continued involvement with the group as, despite the differences, there are many similarities across cultures and countries about developing integrated community responses and I am hopeful I may be able to offer a constructive contribution.

The "Young Man Nuh Lingah" project is a challenging project targetting the engagement of "corner youth" in 10 communities in three parishes - St Catherine, Clarendon and Kingston. "Corner youth" are the young people, predominantly young men, who are unoccupied and hang around in little groups on the corners. As one travels through the poor communities the sight of these groups is notable and there is often a somewhat threatening feel about them. They are typically young people who have left school with few skills and have no opportunity for legitimate gainful employment and are as such very vulnerable to being engaged in gangs and crime. The project has very limited funding, so again will depend on a co-operative effort between existing community service providers both formal and informal. It will provide me with the opportunity to be involved in a number of communities at the community level over the next few months and connect with young people who I would not get to meet through the school suspension programme.

As well as work there have been celebrations this week. In my travels through the city I have seen endless Graduation Celebrations. It seems every location that can accommodate an event has been utilised this week and as I walk past there are the sounds of applause; singing and music, speeches thanking teachers, parents and the young voices of Head Boys and Girls who will moving on to their next phase in life. The halls are full of students - girls dressed in gauze, taffeta, satin and silk, boys in crisply ironed shirts, ties, dark suits and shined shoes. Laughter and giggles, shuffling in the queues as they wait to receive well-deserved certificates and proud parents dressed formally and looking extremely proud. These are the students for whom the future holds some promise and on the day of their graduations they can enjoy the praise of the adults who have supported them so far and look forward to the possibilities ahead.

Of course the volunteers also had a reason to celebrate on Canada Day on Thursday. A couple of the more patriotic volunteers had contacted the High Commission to explore what was being planned, only to be told that due to financial constraints the celebrations this year would be limited to only Distinguished Guests and volunteers do not qualify! So people gathered to celebrate together and I would hazard it was probably much more fun than a formal gathering at the High Commission would have been. I walked home after our gathering as it was not late and the High Commission was shut up tight with no evidence of a celebration!

I had hoped to spend the rest of Sunday at the beach but the day is once again cloudy so I will explore the weather forecast before I venture out. The beginning of hurricane season has brought significantly more rain and cloud than I have yet experienced here. Next week I am looking forward to a visit with a friend from Ontario who is here with her son doing volunteer work for the next two weeks.

The Next Phase

2010-06-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

This week seems to have been a point of transition in many aspects of my current experience, perhaps the summer solstice has a stronger influence than I had heretofore acknowledged! At work the number of students attending the programme has reduced to a very few as end of year exams required the attendance at school of even those suspended, Mr "Dudus" Coke was apprehended and is now in custody in the US, the weather has demonstrated signs of the emerging hurricane season and the announcement about my leaving Kinark was circulated at the agency and to other colleagues.

End of year exams are the focus of attention for high schools and students. Exams are rigorous and constitute a large part of the assessment of the students' success for the last year. This has meant fewer students at the programme and those that are attending are either doing their exams with us or going back and forth to school to sit their exams. The Grade Six Achievement Tests results were made public this week and these are still reported in the newspapers. The GSATs are national exams for all eleven year olds and determine the future academic opportunities for the children of Jamaica. The results of these exams are the method by which the Ministry of Education decides which school will be attended by which children. This is a strong reminder for me of the English system I experienced more than four decades ago and I still remember how stressful it felt. There is huge disparity in quality of education between schools where attending one of the "traditional" schools provides the potential for influence and success in the future but attendance at some of the other schools limits the possibility of participation in post secondary education. It is a difficult process and questionable in its application leaving many children with few choices for the future at the age of eleven. There was much concern this year, particularly in Kingston, as the results the children achieved did not seem to be reflected by the schools they were offered. In a country where corruption is a primary concern there is a sense that even in these processes fairness and effort are not necessarily the greatest influence on the decisions taken.

Mr Coke was apprehended on Monday and is now in custody in the US. This ends one chapter of the troubles for which his extradition was the catalyst. As the continuation of the State of Emergency, the focus of the curfews and sustained presence of the security forces in several communities can no longer be justified as being in pursuit of Mr Coke it will be interesting to see what the government now chooses to do. The emerging test is whether there is any real ambition to rest power from the gangs and change the way in which politics and governance occur in Jamaica. Many people believe that if the politicians collectively do not seize this opportunity to change the ways and relationships between politics and gangsters Jamaica's future looks quite grim.

The week produced lots of rain. No concern right now about a water shortage, no more water lock-offs and I seem to have integrated the cultural norm of being hesitant to venture out in the rain! Twice this week getting to work required a taxi as had I followed my usual routine I would have been soaked to the bone by the time I arrived. Although one dries off quickly as it is still very warm it is not a comfortable way to start the day. The first Tropical storm of the season (Alex) moved from the Atlantic across the Caribbean and provided a glimpse of what might be to come. Two days of clouds and rain that fluctuated between drizzle and incredibly dense downpours fuelled by very strong gusts was an unusual experience for me here. In eight months I think I could count on one hand the days on which the sun has not shone, so two days without sun was disconcerting! I passed the CUSO-VSO spot check for emergency preparedness as I could confirm I have bottled water, food, first aid supplies, torches, candles and matches, and a route to get to the office if I need to. I also confirmed that in the event of a hurricane I have no desire to be evacuated! A little research has informed me that a hurricane usually blows through quite quickly and that essential services are usually restored within 3-5 days. I think I can manage through that without needing to leave. However, I now have a new activity - using the satellite images available on the web to track the formation and progress of Atlantic storms. I like to be prepared!

How can I write a blog at this time without mentioning the World Cup! Although my own interest in football was limited to a brief period in my teens when Georgie Best was a rock-star like player with Man U (and I am not sure my interest was really on the football) I am now familiar with most of the teams that are still in the World Cup. World Cup fever is endemic here (as I suspect it is in most of the world) even though Jamaica did not qualify. The other day as one of the Youth Peace Facilitators came into the office to check something I asked "How is it going?" meaning of course the programme with the students. His response was "1-1"! A clear indication of what was uppermost in his mind, and a cause for laughter as we realised what the interchange illustrated!!

Finally an important event for me personally this week was that it was shared with my colleagues at Kinark that I am leaving the organisation. Kinark is an amazing place and for 35 years I have had the privilege of working with so many incredible people. It is an organisation that has been value-based through all its transitions and one I respect immensely. I will miss the shared vision and tremendous opportunities the organisation provides to those who work there, and particularly the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children, youth and families that go to the agency for assistance. I am looking forward to other exciting opportunities that may lead me in different directions, but whatever presents itself I know my own contribution will be informed and enriched by what I have learned at Kinark. Thank you!

So on to the next phase, be it summer holidays, political change or personal change, there are so many possibilities!

Singing at Security

2010-06-20T08:01:00.002-05:00

Having had a wonderful few days away with lots of productive work on planning the Inaugural Global Implementation Conference 2011, I am back in Kingston. The return journey was a little fraught given my own error in booking a flight in the wrong month (that was a first!), followed by the cancellation of the second flight, though luckily with enough notice to re-book and get back here, if a little later, at least on the date originally intended! Both Delta and Air Jamaica were wonderfully accommodating, American Airlines not so!

So, on Wednesday late afternoon I arrived in Mo-bay en route to Kingston. A quick trip through security was required as the few of us going on to Kingston changed planes but what a different experience it is from going through North American security checks. Three women at the security check point, all with smiles and "good afternoons" for weary travellers and humming and singing quietly to themselves as they do their jobs as efficiently and diligently as the scowling security personnel at Washington or Toronto! It felt good to be back at my temporary home, despite all its troubles.

Thursday saw me at May Pen, a town about an hour west of Kingston, at the Restorative and Community Justice Launch. May Pen is one of four pilot sites being funded by the Ministry of Justice , a dubious honour as the pilot sites have been chosen due to the difficulties they are experiencing with crime and violence in the community. The launch was impressive with upliftng words from many of the speakers, but more because of the performances that punctuated the addresses from the Dignitaries. A compelling adaptation of the "I have a dream" sermon written and performed by a primary school student. Her delivery demanded the country make changes and honour its children. Vocal performances from an 11 year old and 19 year old were captivating and a Drumming ensemble that brought together young men from 11 to 20 that performed with precision and passion prior to rushing off so one of their members could sit his exams! In addition the national Anthem was impressively led by DRF's Youth Peace Facilitator. The pool of talent in this country seems bottomless and the ability to perform inherent. It was a good demonstration of the energy, talent and hope that can be drawn on to achieve the potential of Jamaica.

The journey out to May Pen took us through West Kingston, past Coronation Market, Tivoli Gardens and Southside. It is a little chilling to see streets and whole communities closed off with razor wire and guarded by heavily armed soldiers and reminds one of the tenacity of the students who come to the programme as they travel through these check points daily to attend school or, in our case, the suspension programme. It is also a graphic reminder of the disparity in the city between rich and poor, between those of us who live "uptown" and those who live "downtown" and of the reason why the gangsters and the drug trade have flourished in this country. It is short-sighted to ignore the basic needs and quality of life of a large part of the population, perhaps there will now be some will to change this.

I feel as if I am once again settled into the routine I have established during the 8 months I have been here. My morning journey to work with bus ride and walk provides a stimulating start to the day, the work at the youth programme is increasingly gratifying, the walk home, as the sun sets, is a wonderful way to end the day. The difference now is that all along the way there are people that I know and engage with. The bus drivers who stop the bus if they see me walking to check if I would like to embark, the fruit vendor from whom, each morning, I purchase my breakfast of a freshly picked orange and banana whom I can now understand, the crossing guard who ushers me across Camp Road, the students who I run into who have been in the programme or are still attending, the life guard at the pool whose shares his dreams and ambitions, the rastas, who enjoy the sun and too much ganja, who greet me with huge smiles on the way home and whose names I now know and whose families I feel like I know. In eight months it would be presumptuous to assume I am part of this country, but I certainly feel welcomed and included.

Off the island...

2010-06-16T07:38:00.003-05:00

My usual post is delayed as I have been off the island for a few days and travelling has interrupted my routine! This week's post will be brief as well as late.

The School Suspension Intervention Programme has been quieter recently, partly as a result of the time of year and partly as the troubles have slowed the movement of students around the city. June means school exams with many students involved in the national and Caribbean standardised exams. As these exams determine the future of the young people taking them they are very important. It is the culimnation of two years study and the determinant of future opportunities. The disruptions and troubles made it difficult for many students though their detemination and resiliency served them well.

The work within the schools is increasing and the Ministry and Child Development Agency have provided trauma sensitisation for many to assist the students. It has been enjoyable to work with groups of fifteen instead of fifty and there is a more relaxed atmosphere as the school year is winding down. Much of our energy has been directed toward planning the summer camp programme, writing letters to potential sponsors and donors and submittng proposals for funding. The programme will run from the Eastern Peace Centre which is a great space at the junction of three communities in the east of the city - pictures to follow!

My off-island trip has taken me to Washington to meet with the Global Implementation Planning Committee to participate in the choosing of a location for the conference in 2011. The dates are now determined and the location confirmed so the pressure is on! It is a great group of people to work with and it has been wonderful to spend time talking about how we can ensure the conference promotes effective implementation and supports ongoing implementation research.

Back to Kingston today with more in the next blog about how things are there and the adventures of this trip...

An uneasy quiet

2010-06-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

It has been a week of uneasiness but quiet. Schools are re-opening, information about the deaths and the damage caused by the troubles is surfacing and most are feeling that where this will lead is still very uncertain. There is a very strong military and police presence around the city which acts as a constant reminder that the quiet is uneasy.
I am once again able to walk and take the buses but it is advisable still to avoid certain areas and be aware of any shift in activity. Circling helicopters are rarely an indicator of good, though trucks of soldiers, if accompanied by water barrels and containers of food, can be less menacing then they initially appear.

On Monday we engaged the students in an informal Circle discussion. It provided an opportunity for them to share their experiences of the last two weeks and talk about the changes they would like to see. One of the most striking discussions occurs when one reviews the Rights of the Child (UN) and they identify that even the most basic rights of safe place to live, food, caring and love are not necessarily available to them. All have their own circumstances to deal with, and although there is much in common, at the programme the most productive thing we can do is work with each individually to strengthen their resiliency and provide them with an awareness of their choices and the consequences of different choices.

The week not only saw students who are suspended attend the programme but there was a steady stream of students who had previously attended, dropping in to sit and talk for a while. It is good to know the programme can provide a place of refuge and comfort when times are difficult.

I realise that with events in the city and with the restrictions on movement my focus has been almost entirely on Kingston, and yet Kingston does not reflect the whole of Jamaica. It is a country of different areas and each has its own distinct identity. The Parishes are proud of their distinction however all share the concern that the troubles of Kingston have an impact on their stability. Parishes receive more or less support from government depending on their allegiances, the bauxite and banana industries have suffered as a result of poor decisions and lack of support from government, the impact on the tourist industry is enormous as Jamaica's reputation is damaged by the troubles and the infrastructure that ensures this country of "wood and water" is crumbling due to lack of management and attention by the government. There is a remarkable road network across the country and through the mountains but the roads are full of potholes and the rains inevitably bring floods and washouts. There are the remnants of an extensive rail system that was shut down in the mid 90s due to lack of maintenance that, if retrieved, could save money and the environment but a contract providing support to build a new road is rumoured to have a clause that commits to not re-opening the rail transportation. Once again borrowing money from the IMF requires conditions that do not serve the people in poverty in Jamaica, and the majority of the people here live in poverty. Jamaica has such potential but seems to be very poorly served by its government and those who are elected to serve the country. Perhaps the current troubles are the harbinger of a much required change. There is always hope.

Next week brings a quick trip to North America to meet with colleagues in Washington DC. Although my life seems to be consumed with Jamaica (and very happily so!) I am still involved in other activities particularly that of helping plan the First Biennial Global Implementation Conference 2011 http://www.implementationconference.org/. Three days in Washington meeting with colleagues will take me to a different world, though what becomes evident to me is that what is needed to support children is remarkably similar wherever one is in the world and that the quality of life in any country is determined by how it supports its children. Perhaps we should demand that governments be required to pose one simple question about every decision they make, the question being "will this decision improve the life of children in our country?" It would bring an interesting perspective!

The butterflies are back!

2010-05-29T10:16:00.003-05:00

It has been a difficult week, unsettled on all fronts and a stark reminder that this is not a gentle or benign environment. The factions that went to war on Monday appear to be re-assessing. There has been no definitive outcome despite much destruction, many deaths and signficant damage to many communities and the reputation of the country. Few of the illegal arms were found, the most senior members of the gangs have evaded capture and Mr "Dudus" Coke is still not in custody. The JDF sustains a powerful presence in several communities, the gangsters co-ordinated effort seems to be over for now and many smaller gangsters are taking advantage of the mayhem to act more viciously than usual within their fiefdoms.

Rains and floods have added to the difficulties, though perhaps also contributed to quelling the uprisings, and the silver lining to the rain clouds is that there is water in abundance again, everwhere is green and lush, trees, bushes and vines are full of blossom and the air is full of butterflies of all colours and sizes.

With the uncertainty still prevalent in many of the garrisons that abutt the major thoroughfares we had been advised not to travel too far and to continue to avoid certain routes. This inspired me to look more locally for a quiet haven where I might spend Sunday afternoon and I decided upon Hope Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a large cultivated area that has been variously tended and untended over the last 200 years. Nestled in the north east of the city, it is an easy 10 minute city bus ride on the 900 up Hope Road. The mountains surround three sides of this neighbourhood which also houses Jamaica College, a venerable old educational institute that has provided for many who might not have attained higher education without the support of this specialised institution, Univeristy of the West Indies and Northern Technical University. It is at the edge of the road up into the Blue Mountains.

As with so much here Hope Gardens shows the wear and tear of the different periods at which it has been untended. The high wrought iron gates are bent and broken between the tall gate posts. There are a series of decorative water gardens at the entrance to the Gardens in which the fountains no longer run but the ponds are clean and the plants well cared for and once past the water gardens the lawns, path and trees are spectacular. There are walking paths cut though dense gullies of exotic and enormous palms of all species, pergolas covered with bouganvillaea, a water lilly pond with lillies with leaves the size of tea trays and purple, white and yellow flowers the size of dinner plates.

Vast lawns beautifully tended, green and lush after all the rain, punctuated by large numbers of trees with sprawling roots and branches perfectly designed for providing shade under which blankets should be spread on which to picnic or read. Birds, including parrots, and butterflies move from tree to tree and blossom to blossom. It is a wonderful place of peace and tranquillity in a city that offers too little of either.
I had an afternoon that restored a sense of security and provided energy for work tomorrow with the students whose lives will have been much more directly affected by the troubles.

Country under seige

2010-05-25T17:23:00.013-05:00

This week's events warrant an additional blog, and given I am unable to go to work and am settled at home in one of the areas that remain safe and not directly affected I have time to write.

The week's events have generated all kinds of feelings for me, fear, anger, sadness and an enormous frustration that the potential that is this incredible country is once again being challenged. It feels remarkable that I am here as the convergence of years of dysfunction erupts into war across the city and in all the poorest and most troubled areas across the country. Although the extradition order and attempted arrest of Mr Coke have been the catalyst for the current violence they are certainly not the cause. The causes are many and complex and go back into the history and politics of this unique island that feels as if it should be paradise.

In reading the news as the drama in Kingston has unfolded this week I have been struck by the simplistic and inaccurate characterisation of what has happened here. The Prime Minister suggesting this is "an anti-drug offensive" (BBC May 25th), many others only focussing on the reason for the "offensive" being the apprehension of Mr Coke. The reality is the events of this week are the result of decades of complex and unacceptable relationships between the "bad men" and the politicians. Their interdependence has been commonly acknowledged for many years but what has emergerd in recent years is what appears to be a shift in the power from those in politics to those in crime. However, neither demonstrates any genuine concern for the true victims - the impoverished and powerless - who are forced to depend on gangsters for food, money for school and protection at an horrendous personal price, as a result of the failure of any goverment to provide for the basic needs of the communities they are supposed to serve. Both the gangsters and the politicians are determined to maintain power at whatever cost to those caught within the boundaries of their turf. This minority of warring power holders seems to be holding the country hostage.

As the week progresses it feels as if perhaps this crisis will offer an opportunity to move away from the power relationships of the last forty years though it is not evident who can make that happen or how they will get into a position to do so. What is clear is those currently in positions of political power have lost any vestige of credibility they had. If the loyalty of the people is gained by ensuring they are fed and educated as the followers of Dudus are indicating perhaps the opportunity is to pay attention to that and put in place a means of ensuring a basic quality of life that affords some dignit. Instead of enormous amounts being spent on guns, soldiers and police perhaps a modicum could be diverted to education, job creation and social assistance.

Even the weather has been unsettled this week - the afternoons bring brooding clouds moving menacingly across the sky from mountain to ocean in layers and deepening colours of grey. Torrential rain storms, thunder and lightening, the first reaction to which is "is that mortars and explosions?" And magnificent sunsets of glorious colours.

Within this city in crisis I am safe and have the reassurance of many looking out for me but the events of the week increase the sense of need to contribute something that is of value. When I return to work next week I am sure the work with the students will have a different focus, as they return from their very difficult experiences of the week.

City under stress but a long weekend to relax

2010-05-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

It has been a stressful week in Kingston. The outcome of last week's political machinations was not the resignation of either the Prime Minister or the Government. With an apology and notice that the extradition order would be signed Mr Golding felt he had the authority to continue. The level of scepticism about the politicians seems to be escalating and the conversations reflect an observation that the reaction of the gangs, dons and communities feels different. The people and the dons do not appear to be entrenching within the political tribal boundaries but are collectively articulating a dissatisfaction with all politicians and the governance of the country. There is little faith, trust or respect for the insitutions of the country - government, police force, justice system, education system - all are viewed as broken and inept at best, corrupt and self-serving at worst.

On Tuesday we were asked not to go into work. The concern was that there would be massive civil unrest as a result of trying to arrest Mr Coke. This has not materialised, though the level of armed troops and police in and around the city is significantly increased, the community for which Mr Coke is the don (and Mr Golding the MP) has barracaded itself to keep the police and defence force out and prohibit the authorities from effecting the arrest warrant, and people are generally limiting their movement around the city. The threat does not feel extreme but the fear is palpable. There is a pervasive sense of uncertainty and most who move around the city keep in close touch with loved ones and friends to confirm all is well.

Both CUSO-VSO and friends are reassuringly checking in with me to ensure I am fine and know how to manage and life goes on remarkably normally despite the fear and uncertainty. It is easy to be cavalier as one gets on with things but the updates from the youth peace facilitators and the students remind me that others are living a reality that is much more difficult than mine and the situation is unpredictable.

However it is now the weekend, and a long weekend and as is typical of the paradox of this city it feels relaxed and benign from my apartment. The city is quieter as many people have "gone to country" to celebrate Labour Day with as little labour as possible. Saturday brought hours of torrential rain and thunderstorms. The rain came down in vertical sheets and provided a quite different impediment to getting around the city! This morning the sun is shining again, though the sky is far from cloudless I think we will venture off to the beach as planned, with a picnic packed in the cooler and a relaxing day ahead. We have rented a car and I will carefully peruse the before I leave to avoid another "circuitous route"!

The rain has had an immediate affect on the city, all is greener and fresher. As spring turns into summer, trees are laden with mangos, papayas, avocados, breadfruit and many other fruits. The temperature is noticeably hotter and the air significantly more humid. The croaking lizards are back, the birds are noisier and the butterflies are returning. The mountains have resumed the blue hue that gives them their name and are often swathed in clouds and mist. The sunsets are longer and more colourful and the flowering trees are as laden as the fruit trees. The intensity of the beauty is breathtaking. What a remarkable opportunity this year is offering me!

Will he resign?

2010-05-16T08:17:00.001-05:00

In Jamaica politics always promotes opinionated discussion and this week more so. As I write this the current Prime Minister is weighing his future and that of his governing party. Mr Golding's integrity and credibility are being seriously questioned as more information comes to light about the action taken to avoid the extradition of Mr "Dudus" Coke.

At work and over lunch and dinner the conversation inevitably turns to "Will Mr Golding resign?" with opinions from all sides. No-one is sure, but what is a commonly held concern is that even if Mr Golding resigns the underlying issues with respect to integrity and ethics are so pervasive that the alternatives to Mr Golding are likely to have "skeletons in the closet", and actions taken will do little to change the apparent connections to crime and corruption. This has served to heighten the discussions and concerns about the level of corruption in both political parties, the impact on the country of a political system that seems intimately connected to organised crime, and the apparent inability to make changes that will ensure credible and ethical politicians to represent the people of the country.

Outside of politics, as the temperature rises so too does the level of violence. In a number of communities the gangs have been particularly active with drive-by shootings and reprisals directly affecting both staff and children with whom I am working. It is difficult to hear as people try to organise their lives around the difficulties in either their community or communities through which they have to pass. It feels as if things may be coming to a turning point at which changes will be demanded and strategies developed to take back some semblance of order.

For me the week has been largely spent with youth. At the Kingston Peace Centre I have completed many of the intake and out-take interviews with the students, hearing their stories, talking to their parents and guardians. Our conversations are focussed on helping both parents and students understand the things they have control over and can change to improve things for themselves. I am always struck by the thoughfulness of the students and their willingness to share their stories and talk about what might work to help things.

I was in May Pen on Wednesday attending a Youth Dialogue about governance and the electoral processes. The discussions were energetic and insightful. If these youth were given the opportunity to make changes to the system things would definitely change for the better! It is exciting to see how informed they are about the political process and their desire to become involved.

The weekend offered some wonderful time with friends and colleagues. The hospitality of a diaspora volunteer who is here for a short term placement provide an absolutely glorious afternoon at her brother's house in the hills overlooking the city. The view was spectacular, the surroundings stunningly beautiful, the meal sumptuous and the warmth and generosity of their welcome created a very special time. The house was full of remarkable examples of Jamaican art, a reminder of another forum in which Jamaica excels.

Next week will bring more Youth Dialogues and another push to find funding....

Mothers' Day!

2010-05-09T09:07:00.010-05:00

It is Mother's Day and so my thoughts are turned to the role of Mothers in Jamaica. It is the most revered and respected role within the context of the culture, and perhaps as a consequence it is a role that is adopted far too young by far too many. In a society where there are so many that feel to have no value or influence the role of mother is perceived as a guarentee of love, respect and status. Whilst it does accomplish these in some way it also imposes a level of responsibility that many of the teenage mothers cannot fulfill, thus creating more generations of children with too little support, too little love and too little sense of worth. In addition motherhood illustrates another of those Jamaican dichotomies, it is considered the most important role but too many fathers do not respect the mothers of their children and many mothers are absent, leaving children in the care of grandmothers, aunts or other caretakers when they go abroad. However, for me it is a day of celebration as being a mother is the most rewarding and gratifyng role in the world and the day affords the opportunity to recognise the privilege! Op-Ed Columnist - Celebrate Mothers Day by Saving One - NYTimes.com

The week has seen increasing awareness of the difficulty Jamaica is in economically and socially. The Gleaner continues to publish the daily murder count which has reached over 560. This practice is generating much discussion but the dominant opinion seems to be that it is helping to appropriately raise awareness of the terrible issue of violence experienced by the poorest communities in Jamaica. It is raising questions about why the politicians and police force cannot protect people from the gangs and increasing the expectation of accountability for governing effectively. A secondary outcome is the demand that there be more transparency in politics, and there be a clear exploration of the link between politicians and organised crime.

No travels this week, though Tasha and I had a lovely afternoon ambling through Port Royal and the old Fort Charles, ending with fish at Gloria's, a local fish restuarant at which the length of time between the fish leaving the sea and getting to the table is usually less than two hours!
We did not get to see the sunken city lost to the sea in the earthquake of 1692 but it is fascinating to learn a little of the history of what was known as the "wickedest city in the world" in the 17th century.

I was sad to see Tasha off on Wednesday morning. It was wonderful having her here and felt very much as if she was "home for the holidays".
So my six weeks of visitors and visiting is over and my undivided attention will return to what I can accomplish here.

Just another week in potential paradise

2010-05-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

In many ways it has been a routine week in the life of my work at DRF. I have been settling back in after the trip to Ontario and Tasha is taking her break between courses here "at home". She has joined me at work and has learned much about the lives the students live. As is typical she has been warmly included by the staff members at DRF who have taken the time to share with her stories and expereinces that increase her understanding of this puzzling country.

There has been a noticeable increase in the temperature over the last week or so. The sun is burning hot by the time I am approaching the office at 8am. Most days are cloudless, though often a hot , strong wind tempers the mid-day heat. The brief relief in the water situation that last week's rain brought has been lost with another week of no rain, and water shut-offs are increasing again. Talk is now turning to hurricane season and given there was no significant hurricane activity last year there is a sense that this year an hurricane or two should be anticipated. My colleagues have committed to coaching me in hurricane preparation strategies. I would be quite content not to add hurricane exposure to my experiences for the year but will ensure advice and strategies are well attended to, just in case!

The government is appearing less and less effective in its ability to manage any of the governing functions the country is in desparate need to have managed. Priorities seem to be unclear, fundamental issues of civil society are unattended to and the Prime Minister is on holiday! One is left wondering if the government is so overwhelmed with the enormity of the task of arresting the downward spiral that it is simply immobilised. One of the issues that has concerned most Jamaicans is the transfer of Air Jamaica to Caribbean Airways. Anyone who has flown with Air Jamaica

knows the sense of ownership and pride the airline generates amongst Jamaicans and its transfer and the end of the National Airline, a little peice of Jamaica in the sky and there is a real sense of loss at its transfer out of the country.

Across the country there seems to be a growing sense of concern about youth and the education system and increasing pressure from the communities to take action. In the coming week the teachers are committed to taking labour action as they are owed enormous amounts of back-pay from the government whose repsonse to date has been somewhat denigrating and far from constructive. The Minister of Education has issued a warning that should students attend school during the teachers' action the schools and Mininstry cannot be responsible for the saftey of the students and given current experience this is of grave concern.

And yet, I sit watching the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, with a slight breeze rustling through the palm trees and the lazy pace of early Sunday morning activity starting to stir. The higglers are gathering along the roads with an abundance of fruits, vegetables and fish for sale, those that have jobs are moving toward them, three and four-generation family groups of churchgoers in Sunday finery are making their way to the many and various places of worship and it feels as if paradise should be within reach.

There and back again

2010-04-25T07:54:00.006-05:00

The week has been one that has straddled my various lives and illustrated to me how tremendously fortunate I am. Sunday took me to the Briar's in perfect Ontario spring weather. Gloriously warm sunshine over the glistening lake, blossoms and trees bursting with new leaves of so many shades of citrus green, fresh mowed grass and an energy generatd by the freshness of reawakening and emerging. Ontario is breathtakingly beautiful on those pristine spring days!

The PART/Centre of Excellence for Children's Mental Health workshop was stimulating and it was delightful to see many old friends and make new ones. The interest and understanding about the importance of how EBPs are implemented is clearly growing, which bodes well for effectiveness of service in the future for clients. I look forward to continuing the implementation work through involvement in the Global Implementation Conference (http://www.implementationconference.org) planning groups and through new connections throughout the world. My one regret on the trip to Ontario was not catching up with a few friends I would love to have seen, but catching up would only have been meaningful through long leisurely conversations over lunch or dinner and time did not permit. So, my apologies, for some a brief email or phone call had to surfice but I anticipate with pleasure the long conversations ahead upon my return.

Returning to Jamaica meant saying a sad goodbye to Haley in Toronto, who will be working/schooling (www.shedoesthecity.com) through the summer so visiting here may not be a possibility, and hello to Tasha in Kingston. Tasha is visiting until early May for her school break as this is home whilst I am here. Visitors bring a renewed awareness of the unique qualities and struggles in this country. The warmth and friendliness of banter with everyone counterpointed with the daily murder count on the front page of the newspaper (500 in 112 days).

It was exciting to be back in the hot, humid tropical air, the noise, the bustle and to find water in the taps! The weekend had provided heavy and sustained rainfall which has helped the water situation immensely. I headed to work first thing Thursday morning and felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction at being back. The sense of being part of this city was enhanced by meeting students on the street greeting me with a warm "Good Morning Miss Jacquie" and the fruit vendor from whom I purchase fresh oranges and bananas for breakfast each day, who asked what I had been doing in the last couple of weeks. The team gave me a very warm welcome and within moments the rythm of the work here returned. The urgency about how to sustain the programme is increasing but I hope the next few weeks will allow some focussed attention on finding some creative responses.

The weekend has brought another wonderful few days in Montego Bay. Life really is full of variation here, except in the weather which is perfect almost all the time!

Limited resources

2010-04-20T03:00:00.002-05:00

In a developing country both water and funding are commodities that assume an importance rarely appreciated in industrialised, wealthy countries. The lack of both has increased the level of stress and urgency I feel in my work. As I prepared to return to Ontario for a brief visit my mind was still preoccupied with how to generate funding for the Youth Programme and at home the preoccupation is keeping the buckets and bottles full as the water is at best erratic.

The water shortage continues to become more severe. No rain of significance has fallen for several months, and the drought is as extended as any that can be remembered. Given a superficial glance the island looks as lush, green and fertile as ever however a more critical look reveals dry rivers, dry reservoirs, hillside fires and no water running off the mountains into town. The end result is more extensive water lock-downs during which the National Water Board simply shuts down the water and there is nothing running through the city system. The problem is most severe in Kingston and makes life difficult for all, but particularly difficult for those in the garrisons. There are now days without water at every residence that does not have a private water source and whole communities that are without water for days on end. However, resourcefulness is abdundant here and people seem to manage. The forecast suggests rain is a possibility soon which will help immensely.

The funding issue will not be as easily resolved. There is no forecast of a funding deluge and with the re-engagement of loans from the IMF funding for education and youth programmes will likely be harder to generate. Daily articles in the paper call for attention to youth but they do not seem to promote a tangible response from the Government. The value of the programme is clearly illustrated when there are over 50 students who arrive at 8:00a.m during the school holidays when their cohorts are out and about relaxing. But however valuable the programme is seen to be by students, parents or schools funding does not seem to be forthcoming or accessible.
My next focus will be to approach the Ministry of Justice and try to pursuade those of influence that this programme could provide a wonderful pilot project as an alternative measures programme to divert young offenders from the court system. It may be seen as serving well for the Ministry as they are currently being criticised for their lack of action. Here's hoping!

My apologies to regular readers for the delay and limitations of this entry but I have been happily distracted due to travelling to Ontario for a brief and busy visit. The days spent in Toronto have provided a wonderful opportunity to see family and friends, as well as reflect from a distance in "the year" so far. As I meet with colleagues at the conference I am attending and respond to their interest in how the year is going I am once again profoundly aware and appreciative of the tremendous opportunity this year is offering.

The Half-Way Point...

2010-04-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

This week it struck me that I am past the half-way point in the year. As I have been organising things for the week in Ontario I am more concscious of the time. What, at the beginning of the year seemed to be an endless year stretching ahead of me, now seems to be far too short. That being acknowledged I am also conscious that I do not want to be distracted from providing 100% here by investing too much energy in planning what's ahead. Half way through means still half way to go! The work here is strongly influencing my perspective and has served to highlight the incredible strengths of the Ontario system for children and families, as well as the remarkable organisation Kinark is. Things in Ontario may be far from perfect but there are strengths that are the envy of many. I am excited to catch up with the changes that have occurred in the last six months, and know the changes will illustrate the creativity and innovation of the organisation, as well as the tremendous commitment and capacity of the people that are part of it. Although it is still many months off I feel very lucky to be able to look forward to returning to such an exciting place to work with such a fine group of colleagues, where there is the continued opportunity to make a difference!

It was a short but busy week in which I pulled together the input and information from the Building Organisation Capacity Workshop, so that all in the organisation can see that there is active follow-up to their insightful and invaluable contribution. In addition, the final touches were put to another proposal, and at the end of the week the Youth Programme team got together for refresher training and a team meeting. The team meeting was a fine day spent at the Spanish Town location. It gave all the Youth Peace Facilitators time to get together, explore the subtleties of conflict resolution and anger management so critical to the work done with the youth, and time to share some of their own concerns and struggles. There are moments and events that remind me of the uniqueness of this society and one of these moments occurred in the team meeting. In sharing personal stories about resolving conflict and managing anger we were asked to rate the level of anger certain events generated and then talk about what led to those feelings. Of seven peace facilitators, two spoke of witnessing the murder of a loved one at home. I was struck by how unlikely these stories would be in most team meetings of a group of child and youth workers in Ontario, though recognise the parallel with some of the First Nations communities. Oppression has some desperate and long-standing consequences.

Outside of work, this week is Carnival Week, which means this weekend is the culmination of Bacchanal, many weeks of weekend parties and music with a weekend of various parades, music and dancing in the streets! Carnival here is not only the parade that offers the spectacle provided by Mardi Gras or Caribana (that parade is today, and watch out for paint whihc is apparently thrown liberally!)), but is a reason to take music to the streets and play it extremely loudly. Street music is one of the characteristics of Jamaica. There are street parties (PasaPasa) to be found somewhere everynight. Huge banks of speakers are erected and music is played at a volume that is probably damaging to the hearing of anyone within a five kilometre radius! The difference at Carnival is that the speakers are erected on flat bed trucks and driven through the streets throughout the night. One colleague experienced the "parade" returning four times to her neighbourhood and the music created such vibration that all the car alarms were activated! Music is enormously important in Jamaica, both as a means of expression and a potential means of escaping poverty. From reggae to dancehall to Gospel Jamaican music is influential across the world. Some of it is easy to appreciate, some is offensive and harsh but all reflect the nature of the country. The music created shows both the darker side of Jamaican life of violence, abuse and oppression, as well as the desire and drive to promote peace and unity. It is used to express all the passions and emotions that are intense in this country of dichotomies. In the city, the country or on the mountain roads, one sees the banks of speakers and can hear music from every rum shop. More than anywhere I have been the music is almost exclusively local. From every radio station to the street hawkers of CDs, the music is created and recorded by Jamaicans in Jamaica. Whether through the choirs of the churches and communities, or the DJs and MCs of street music, music is an integral part of life here.

A week of less work and more play.

2010-04-03T20:19:00.013-05:00

Family and friends have definitely been the focus of the week. From Sunday onwards I have enjoyed the company of both, with visitors arriving from Canada and Barbados, and the wonderful hospitality of friends of friends. Jamaican hospitality is without question the warmest and most relaxed I have experienced, and one is welcomed with tremendous generosity and graciousness. Last Sunday I had the pleasure of enjoying such hospitality, as a friend from Kinark, back visiting the place that was home for him, invited me to join him at friends' for lunch. It was a delightful afternoon and wonderful to spend some time with Lloyd in Jamaica.

The begining of the week brought the, now typical, demand of completing a funding proposal, meeting with students, connecting with funders and trying to find some means of sustaining the Youth Programme. There is begining to feel some real urgency to this and it also feels as if funds are extremely scarce.

However, after a somewhat hectic beginning the week ended early. Easter weekend is an important holiday weekend here and on Thursday afternoon the roads were clogged, as offices closed and everyone seemed to be doing last minute shopping. Many people head out of town and I was included in the plan made by family and friends. So I have had the pleasure of spending the last few days in the Blue Mountains. It has been quite lovely.

The setting is magnificent with moutain peaks to the east and to the west, beyond the mountains, the view is of the plains and Kingston stretching to the harbour and the sea . There are houses and cottages scattered on the steep mountainsides, surrounded by wonderful gardens and bordered by coffee plantations. Despite drought and significantly less water in streams and rivers the moutains still look verdent and lush. The mountains have provided a retreat from the city for over a century and there are some wonderful old houses and properties. The quiet is delightful, particularly in contrast to the bustle and noise of Kingston. The days have been a gentle routine of slow mornings, with the sun coming up and warming the cool air, and later in the morning a walk to a higher point to see some place of interest and beauty, of which there are many. The days are punctuated by wonderful meals and visiting with others who are here and obvioulsy enjoying the relaxed informal company of holiday visiting.

One of the trade marks of the Blue Mountains is the rolling cloud that tumbles down the mountainsides bringing mist and a quick and significant drop in temperature as the sun is temporarily obscured and moisture fills the air. The clouds roll down the mountains, across decks, over gardens and even through the open houses. These clouds bring a freshness to the air rarely experienced in Kingston and it is a welcome relief particularly in the hot, humid summer months. The clouds are not the only cover for the mountains. there are trees, plant and flowers of enormous variety. Orchids and raspberries, ferns and fir trees, and an abundance of lillies. Sitting in the garden in the late afternoon the humming birds and Doctor birds hover around the flowering trees. It is a spectacular environment. This, coupled with exceptionally fine company, has made for a wonderful holiday weekend that has felt much more than that!

Jamaican Youth: soaring and struggling

2010-03-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

Young people were definitely the focus of the week as I attended presentations, sponsored by CUSO-VSO and organised by two of my fellow volunteers, spent most of my time at DRF meeting with students and CHAMPS drew to a close.
The week started with a visit from representatives from two youth serving agencies in Quebec. At DRF we shared with them information about the school suspension programme and several of the students presented and discussed the value of the days they spend with us. This visit was followed by a knowledge sharing workshop during which those from Quebec presented their programmes, as did DRF, and Office of the Child Advocate. The commonalities were many but there was still much to be learned from one to another. An interesting day.
Later in the week a Youth Summit was the highlight. A gathering of approximately thirty important representatives from agencies in Jamaica benefitted from a series of excellent presentations from youth involved in a Kingston Youth Centre, at which they are mentored and provided with daily workshops to improve their employability. Entrepreneurial endeavours will be the source of success for many of these youth and their creativity, potential and diligence were evident in their presentations. As one of the youth commented, "It was a good day" , a poignant remark as she recently lost her mother.

My work with the students focussed on helping a number of them understand and take responsibility for their actions and behaviour. A group of students from one school were suspended due to being in gangs, violence and disruptive behaviour. At first when talking to them individually each was indignant and felt victimised by the Dean of Discipline for being suspended as they had "done nothing" and were simply two groups of friends. By the end of several meetings and discussions their descriptions had somewhat changed. There was acknowledgement by each of them that the "two groups of friends" were in fact warring factions from two different classes and that between them they had brought knives, scissors, machettes and cutlasses to school for use when they warred. The discussions were insightful and courteous. I was once again struck by how much these students want things to change, and how responsive they are to a little time and a respectful ear.

The budget was presented this week and reflected cuts in almost all government funding and additional increases in taxes. As much of the country was focussed on the performance of the many superb young athletes from schools across the country the government announced cuts in education funding, and funding for youth programmes amongst others. It is hard to imagine how a government can reduce the funds available for education and youth when there is unanimous agreement that youth are incresaingly driven into anti-social behaviour due to lack of effective education and legitimate opportunities. 40 and 50 students in a class is not uncommon! Schools without functioning washrooms, with no supplies, students who cannot afford to bring or buy lunch and a country questioning why there is so much anger, violence and disrespect amongst the youth. It would seem an easy question to answer but the will to make it different at an institutional level seems remarkably absent.

In contrast to the struggles there has been enormous energy in the city generated by the 100th CHAMPS Track and Field Meet. The National stadium has been lit up every evening, hordes of students chatting and chanting and proudly sporting their schools colours throughout the city, taxis and cars with flags of various associations and a tremndous pride that this competition has occurred continuously for 100 years and is a showcase for the youth of the country. Despite temperatures well into the 30s, and no water available at the stadium as the competition started, the excitement was palpable and has been infectious. This small country produces some of the best track and field athletes in the world without the support of much funding or sophisticated equipment! This provides cause for celebrating the youth and the future.

Although almost completely consumed by my life in Jamaica I have kept connected to a few other pieces of work, including The Consortium for the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices and planning of the Global Implementation Conference, that reflect my ongoing commitment bridging the chasm between the academic sphere and the practice sphere. As well I will be part of the National Implementation Research Network team to present at an international invitational event April 18th - 21st at the Briars, Jackson's Point. So I will be in Ontario, very briefly, in April! In finalising plans for the trip I realise it feels as if I am coming as a visitor, perhaps because it is such a brief trip and I am so immersed in things here. It is an interesting feeling though given it has been home for over 30 years. It will be lovely to visit with friends and spend time with Haley and Tasha.
However, before that I have the pleasure of visits here. Today I will see a friend and colleague from Kinark, who provided me with a wonderful send off and introduced me to much Jamaican and many contacts before I left. Knowing of people here on whom I might call was an enormous comfort when I first arrived and it will be delightful to catch up, on island territory! Later in the day my brother will arrive, it will be so good to see him as it has been over a year since our last visit.
As is often said here in response to "How are you?" ...I am blessed.

March Madness and the month of CHAMPS

2010-03-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

March Madness was the subject line used by the CUSO-VSO Programme Manager, Jamaica when he distributed a calendar of events for the last ten days of March. Apparently the "end of fiscal year madness" crosses countries and cultures! This March Madness has brought introduction to interesting new people, a gratifying and successful two day workshop with many learnings including the connotation of colours and the importance of CHAMPS, a lovely dinner in garden surroundings and this week's demonstration of Garrison trouble (nothing to do the the Programme Manager's calendar I hasten to add).

The week started with Garrison trouble. On Monday, as I returned to the Youth Programme office early in the afternoon one of the Youth Peace Facilitators told me that there was trouble in Hannah Town. The trouble included a shoot out between bad men and the police, an armed Defense Force helicopter circling above, three dead bad men and three injured police officers. It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon! The time children are leaving school, and most people are moving around their neighbourhood doing business. The CEO circulated through the office letting people know the office was closing and anyone who wished could head home as no-one was sure if the trouble would escalate further. In Ontario the CEO decides if the office should close due to a snow storm, in Kingston the decision rests on a bullet storm.
There was no further escalation, the police had "got their men" though the reaction across the city (ours was not the only office to close) reflects the nervousness about the instability discussion of the extradition of "Dudus" is causing. Initially it was thought the trouble was in Tivoli (Dudus' community) following his birthday party the night before.
No threat developed outside the Garrison and gang in which the trouble was experienced. Many of us, who did not need to check things at home, felt it best to stay at the office where there was no immediate danger, until the situation became clearer. As I walked home in the late afternoon I was again struck by the different worlds in which people live within the boundaries of Kingston and Jamaica. My walk home at sunset was as restorative and relaxing as usual but less than two kilometres away a community was dealing with the aftermath of a mid-afternoon gun battle. A country of dichotomies!

The Building Organisational Capacity Workshop was a great success. Nearly a hundred people attended over the two days, there was energetic discussion and extremely informative presentations from DRF's external partners including CIDA, UNDP, UNICEF, Jamaica Social Investment Fund, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Education. All acknowledged with great appreciation the partnership with DRF and spoke to its continuation, which helps provide optimism about funding stability in the future. DRF staff and volunteers left hoping the discussions will continue, which will frame my next piece of design work for this project!
One of the acitivities during the Workshop required pre-determined groups. We had decided the groups would be denoted by colours and I requested coloured dots of five different colours from the supplier. I was careful to select colours that had no particular connotation to my knowledge, important I thought in a country where each of the 2 political parties is absolutely aligned with a particular colour (PNP - orange, JLP - green) The supplies arrived, three colours, orange, green and purple! We checked with the supplier, no other colours on the island so we carefully constructed combinations to neutralise any connotation and applied them to name tags. The activity went ahead, no issue to my relief. However, at the conclusion of the day there were a number of allusions to the "colours". What I had failed to understand was that this is CHAMPS week! CHAMPS is the annual track and field meet in Jamaica, a huge event in the National Stadium that brings together the high school track and field teams from across the island. Given the incredible record of Jamaican track and field athletes there is enormous and justified pride in the performance of the athletes and much riding on it as it points to the stars of the future. There is also serious competition between schools - all of which have colours, including one which sports purple and gold! Oops....despite my best intentions!

There are new volunteers arriving, visitors from CUSO-VSO Regional office in Costa Rica, VSO UK, and Canadians from two children's justice organisations in Quebec. All of which has served to make me feel like an old hand here, well past the initial stages of settling in! We had dinner at a lovely restaurant tucked behind buildings in New Kingston. An oasis of peace and tranquility in a lovely garden-like setting. There are advantages to an urban placement!
There will be lots of meetings and events in the coming week, typically being organised by my volunteer colleagues, and I am looking forward to stimulating presentations and discussions.

Workshop, interviews and political dilemmas

2010-03-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week work included finalising the activities for the DRF 2 day workshop, interviewing candidates for Youth Peace Facilitator in Spanish Town and meeting with a visiting consultant for one of the funding proposals submitted. In the wider sphere the political environment has been more active with extreme measures to satisfy the demands of the IMF, interesting dialogue about the US extradition request of "Dudus", allegedly one of the Influential Men previously described and the finalising of the sale of Air Jamaica to Caribbean Airways.

Workshop planning is coming together, with the help of many and the use of only one checklist! The venue is booked, the menu confirmed, invitations issued and accepted, the agenda developed and the budget adequate, thanks to CUSO-VSO. Next weekend will be the proof of our success, and I am hopeful it will be a stimulating and engaging two days.

The trip to Spanish Town to participate in interviewing for a Youth Peace Facilitator position was an interesting excursion mid-week. Spanish Town is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and still has remnants of each of the colonising powers of its history. Narrow winding streets, lined with old buildings reminiscent of either Spanish or British architecture, make getting around in a car quite challenging. Walking is not much easier as the pavements are narrow and lined with old stone drainage gullies completely inadequate for the current dense population. However, it is full of commerce and bustle, street vendors with fruits and vegetables from the surrounding country, household wares and electronic goods. Taxis wending their way impatiently through streets too narrow for quick passage, hands on horns and yelling warnings out of the windows. The sun streaming down and the streets steamy in the humidity. Occassionally an old stone building confronts one with the reality of how much history is held within this busy, vibrant, though struggling town.

The interviews were quite different in content to those I have conducted in Canada and included questions about comfort and strategies for venturing into local, warring communities. As well, the dominance of Christianity as a way of life was evident in the number of candidates who openly referred to faith as part of their guiding philosophy.

On April 1st many of the tax hikes and cost increases required to access the most recent IMF loan will be implemented. This apparently includes a hike of over 100% for bus fares. Needless to say the only segment of the population on which this has an impact is those with the lowest incomes. It will likely limit the ability of some children to attend school and will reduce the available income for many for basics such as food and clothing. Once again those most vulnerable are being victimised.

The request to extradite Mr Coke (Dudus) generates much discussion and illustrates the role of the "dons" within the communities. Many believe he is the protector of the Tivoli community and if removed there will be more bloodshed and unrest, others believe that the harm to Jamaica's reputation if being seen to protect allegedly violent criminals has far-reaching consequences and others talk about an attempt of interference from an "imperial" power in the internal issues of Jamaica. All note the link Mr Coke has to the current political party in power and recognise this is a true political dilemma.The complexity of the power relationships in Jamaica is quite baffling and the way through and out is hard to see.

I have not been entirely pre-occupied with work and the politics however as this week both my daughter and my brother confirmed they will visit in April. April will be a month of fun!