The Next Phase

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

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...

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

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!

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

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

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!