http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/418253

 Being fully respectful of August Town Community’s strong desire for peace

 Attentive to the need of children for a safe environment in order to receive a proper education and develop their talents

 Convinced that tolerance of the beliefs of one another is the road to be followed

 Looking forward to the implementation of plans being drafted by the University of the West Indies for August Town to be a University Town

 Conscious of our obligations to the wider society and their apprehensions about the high levels of crime in August Town

 Believing that the amount of lives lost over the last 15 years due to gang violence has set back the social and economic development of the community.

 Eager to reduce the unemployment rate in the community by allowing persons to freely and safely move around or leave the community to seek employment.


We the leaders and representatives of the various corners or sections of August Town, in spite of our differences of various kinds, do hereby formally agree to put an end to all disputes and conflicts for a period of 5 years and we set out the Rules that will govern the conduct of this Agreement.

We enter into this agreement among ourselves and with our signatures as leaders and the signatures of key stakeholders and supporters of peace and development for August Town.



RULES OF THE FIVE-YEAR PEACE AGREEMENT


1. All leaders must be truthful with each other: your word is your word.

2. There is to be free movement of all persons across all boundaries and corners regardless of reputation or affiliation to a particular corner.

3. Guns are not to be brandished – they must not be seen at any time.

4. There must be no intimidation or threat to persons from any corner.

5. No gun salute or any other forms of shooting is to take place in the community for a period of at least 5 years.

6. Corner Leaders have a responsibility to guide and counsel corner members away from domestic violence, theft, extortion, carnal abuse, rape and other wrong doing.

7. Respect and tolerance must be shown for the political beliefs of others.

8. No person should be criticized, abused or labeled as an “informer”.

9. A PEACE COUNCIL with representatives from every corner is to be established and will meet monthly to monitor adherence to these rules and the development and temperature of the community. The Peace Agreement will be reviewed every six months at a meeting of the Council and key stakeholders. It is also expected that the ability of Council members to deal with conflicts will be enhanced by training received in the areas of Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management etc.
10. If this Agreement is violated, the leaders of the corners involved hereby commit to make good faith efforts to defuse the matter and if such efforts fail an emergency meeting of the Peace Council is to be convened. Where such efforts fail or are unsuccessful, the community agrees to call in the Peace Management Initiative to facilitate their discussion.

We agree to play our part this 24th day of June 2008 at the Mona Bowl August Town, St. Andrew.

Signed By:

…………………….
Name:
Corner: African Gardens (Vietnam)

………………………
Name:
Corner: Jungle 12

……………………
Name:
Corner: Gold Smith Villa (Gola)

……………………….
Name:
Corner: Colour Red (Judgement Yard)


……………………….
Name:
Corner: Bedward Gardens (River)

………………………
Name:
Corner: Peace Management Initiative



……………………….
Name:
Corner: August Town Minister’s Fraternal



……………………….
Name:
Corner: University of the West Indies



……………………….
Name:
Corner: August Town Sports and Community Development Foundation


]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:34:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/418253 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/350899
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Editor Sir:

Since 2006, The Ministries of Education Technology through the e-Learning Project has been promoting the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom as tool to enhance the learning experience for students and improve their grades.

Through initiatives of the Government several Jamaicans now have access to a computer with internet facilities. Companies like Cable Wireless and Flow has donated computers and/or given free internet access to schools, community clubs, organisations and cyber centres as well.

Obviously we have recognised the advantages the computer and Internet can have on the productivity of our society. More specifically, the Internet is a great tool to enhance our students learning through online communication and research. However, the Internet can be a very dangerous place for our children as they are vulnerable to identity theft and Internet fraud, cyberbullying, trojans and viruses, spywares, and spams.

Late in 2007 I conducted a non-scientific survey with some Jamaicans to glean how much they know about Internet safety and security. I was alarmed to glean that so many of us know little or nothing about these potential dangers that exist on the web.

Many Jamaicans are already victims of Internet fraud. In fact like many children, I have been conned by foreigners, Nigerians especially soliciting help to retrieve a lump sum of money that a dead relative left. Funny enough, I have even won the lotto on several occassions.

With each Jamaican owing US$7,920 I could have paid for my entire family more thank three times. Surely, we all could have relieved Jamaica's debt burden if these were true.

It's only a matter of time before we hear that several cases of rape and abduction have been made possible by social networking websites such as Hi5, Facebook and MySpace.

At present little or nothing is been done by the Government or Private Sector to raise awareness about the dangers which exist so young people can use the Internet more responsibly. I am delighted that the focus of the 2008/2009 budget is youth. However, the revitalisation of youth clubs, and uniformed groups is not the only thing needed to safeguard the future for youth. A cut of the budget must be used for proactive approaches, rather than continuing our reactive and shortsighted tendencies all the time.

In lieu of this, I recommend that out of the budget expenditure a new unit be established in either Ministries charged with the responsibility of developing promotional materials and planning seminars, conferences and other initiatives to sensitise Jamaicans (youth especially) about the dangers that exist and how they can protect themselves.


I am,
Jaevion Nelson
Chairman, Caribbean Youth Summit Association (CYSA)]]> Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:20:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/350899 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/346157
Quite recently, a number of sex clips have been surfacing the internet. Every parent must be living in fear, wondering when they will hear or perhaps see their child on ‘de tape’. In fact I am sure my mother prays everyday that my little sister is not having sex and certinaly wont be one of the rising stars. I was far from shocked to learn that video of a girl performing oral sex at my alma mater surfaced or rather was leaked to the Principal.

Not too long ago Betty-Ann Blaine in discussion with a caller on her daytime programme ‘On the Agenda’ about this high school students hobby recording sexual scenes deemed these explicit acts abominable, unacceptable, and unjust in the sight of God.

But do teenagers really care what any of us think? Of course not! When I expressed my shock with one teenager from a school in Manchester who sent me some clips he was quick to let me know that the technology has only made these occurrences more blatant. He highlighted that we were all having sex and we must stop pretending.

Does this mean that if we begin to approach our high school problems with more ‘livity’ as we may call it - our policies and intervention programs might begin to have more purpose? Perhaps we will never know.

We are all so quick to attack these students for enjoying themselves to the point that we stigmatise them, but none of us have taken responsibility of lynching the media for sensationalising these incidences.

The media have a major role to play in society and a responsibility to the public. But we have all become so profit focussed that even the best of us with National Honours and respect have lost focus. Now can we really blame these children? Think about it.

In all the articles I have read sorrounding these happenings not once I have I seen a call for students to use a condom, talk to a responsible adult or peer about what they are doing or even to speak with a teenager and find out why all this really happens. And to make an even more bigger impact charge the relevant stakeholders to look into the issue differently.

Now who are we to blame? Let’s point fingers on the media, the education ministry, guidance counsellors, parents, churches, businesses, and schools. I say let’s blame the damn society! Who makes it up? All of us.

Why are we all so important to this process of so called communication and behaviour change modification? What should we really do? Sit and continue to curse students who hav sex? Tell them that sex is something that should be of value between two - when so much of us sleep around? Com’on let’s be real for once!

I agree that the issue of students having sex at school or at home is one that must be taken seriously, but certainly not the way in which we have been going about it over the years.

Let’s talk about sex now! And I say do it before it’s too late. Before we even try to educate children about all these fears we have why they shouldnt have sex - we must tell them about it. Young people need as much information about sex and sexuality from an early age so they can begin to make more informed decisions.

Really, why are Jamaicans so afraid to talk about sex and sexuality? Why cant we be open about it? Yes it is a private activity - so what? I am sure morals and the Bible permits discourse on the matter and even if it didnt you wouldnt automatically be banished to hell. So my friends, there is no need for us to go back to the days of telling our children that mommy has a tomato (instead of saying vagina) and daddy has a plantain (why not penis?).

Do you realise how silly we are? As Nadia Howe, CEO at the May Pen Hospital expressed to me in a conversation recently - it makes no sense for us to tell young people not to do this and that and not speak to them openly.

One student from a prominent all girls school in Montego Bay also shared with me that “it doesnt really matter how much abstinence is preached it all boils down to personal choice.”

So how can we influence personal choice? Tell them about sex or shove things under the carpet? According to Andrew Francis, Convenor of the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) “thats the only way they (young people) can make informed choices about such when they are given the necessary information.”

Francis highlighted that information sharing is important to influencing personal choice because “curiousity and adventure may lead them to get involved in high risk sexuality activity even without information about sex, sexuality, benefits of delaying sexual activity or protecting one’s self in the case that you cannot abstain.”]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:47:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/346157 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/344747
So let’s really remove ourselves from this static position we are in when we hear of these things and face the harsh reality we must now live with. Thats why first world countries will forever be progressive … they face the harsh realities of time and they just roll with it… instead we talk about the stupid ‘good ole days’ when a parent from up the road could beat your child and he/she dare not tell you in the evening if he/she hopes to be spared from a second round!

How ridiculous! And let’s realise that we cant go back there … So time to move on into 2008.

Our problems at school and home are a multiplicity of factors and none of it will ever be dealt with if we continue to hide the truth from ourselves, fail to listen to those affected, continue take this top notch approach to band aid everything … and - i wont continue to list all we have been doing wrong …

But seriously, school or rather education seems to be the hot topic for 2008 … textbooks removed a second time … condoms in school, school sex tapes, corporal punishment banned in schools at all levels, teachers and principals to get police training … lol (laugh out loud) - wow seems making high school tuition free was a good move! We have all taken special interest in it, put the minister under pressure (bwoy Maxine you must be happy) . . . I dont think I would want to be his assistant.

What’s next on the list of things to do for schools?

hmmm .. let’s see .. how about:
1) proper human resource strategies to motivate teachers (esp. the ones who just in the job to get a salary)
2) remove suspension and expulsion
3) remove teachers who continue year on year off to have even 50% passes
4) change the old guidance counselors - who are guiding us on the sole basis of morals
5) allow all students take every subject at high school - its not the teachers decision to decide who is ready for cxc (at least thats our excuse) - stop protecting school image
6) introduce alternative learning in schools - skills, dj, music mixing, graphic design, cosmetology, etc
7) compulsory after school hours for studying
8) performing arts programme in all schools
9) pump money into schools sports programmes

Now thats something worthwhile doing!]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:23:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/344747 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/344745
Seriously, from the first time I heard the abortion debate I was of one darn view .. allow it to be legal .. and might I add the policy changes had it quite down pact - so I dont think we should have a problem. So the issue of unsafe abortion was well considered in the amendments proposed. And all the religious persons on Dione Jackson Miller's 'Beyond the Headlines' that afternoon were so uninformed about what they were saying .. to purport arguments that a young person like myself should take them seriously.

I think what has become our problem though is that opposing an issue is a great way of fame ... and as such what better one to jump on so we get featured in the media?

My friend Gordon - took my thought - he proposed that churches (who are the most vocal on the issue take responsibility for the children being born)…

The reality is we cant take care of all these kids and we dont want them … if YOUTH for LIFE (The Young People Movement spearheading this demonstration) will agree to adopting these kids whose parents couldn't abort the pregnancy then they have my full support in making abortion illegal — I will personally go and march with them down to Gordon House the day when the law/policy is being tabled before parliament. But the sad reality is the church ain't doing crap — those young people don't even want to witness to soul which is their responsibility as a child of God to even consider taking up parenting - the worlds most time consuming career of all times … Moreover, many churches have been having problems sustaining their outreach programmes in communities

People its time for us all to get real .. or maybe i just wasn't made for the damn backward third world thinking.]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:07:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/344745 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/328029
While it is true that the case of children having sex is not reason enough to distribute condoms in our schools, it gives us no authority to judge a society as unethical, lacking in morals and unchristian-like.

The stories and sermons of an abstinence-only approach is a principle, those who are most vocal about not making condoms accessible in schools would have been taught from the time they were conceived. In those days abstinence talk went as far as driving fear in children that the opposite sex is bad company. Without realizing, we began to cultivate an unhealthy society which we must now come to terms with.

Simultaneously, while this was being taught, girls were still dropping out of school because of early and unintended pregnancy. Has abstinence-only education had any success to date? Of course not! Today, high school girls are still dropping out of school or are ‘lucky’ enough to graduate with a baby on the way. To make it worse, teenagers are now contracting sexually transmitted infections- including HIV which was the leading cause of death amongst Jamaicans 10-24 in 2004.

The manner in which we have all uttered our disgust of the idea and double standard is appalling. The persons who now speak so furiously are the same persons who have been granting access to foreigners into our schools to distribute condoms and dental dams, show us how to use them and educate us on HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Not one was so vocal on this. Is this not the same principle of the compromise of morals that we speak of?

How are we, as influencers and change makers to help, if we continue to confuse those we want to assist?

If we are so opposed to condoms being accessible in schools, let us first reduce open access to condoms. There is no advocacy by these people to prohibit the shop on the corner, or the big store in town from selling ‘early sexers’ packs of condoms. But, why should there be such advocacy when the sale is beneficial to us or them rather? Do we even realize that this is the same injection of compromise on the morals we were taught?

Let the change begin with you. Before you become so vocal on the issue commit yourself to dismiss children who purchase a condom from your store, even if it is for mommy and daddy that you know. Let us scold children who we see purchase condoms. Let us call upon the Broadcasting Commission to ban the showing of lewd sexual content on our local TV between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and, in the same breath reduce the advertising sales dollars that newspaper receive from publishing contact details on ‘massage parlors’.

The time for action is NOW. Whether we make condoms accessible in schools or not these adolescents and youth will continue to have high risk unprotected sex. The measurable outcome of this activity to date is an over populated country where large numbers of children are being born in poor living conditions and without proper parenting, a society riddled with socials ills and the face these HIV/AIDS continuing to be that of a young Jamaica 10 – 24 years.

It is better we give them the option to make the informed decision about abstaining, using a condom or any other relevant contraceptive method.

Make condoms accessible in schools!
]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:14:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/328029 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/323889
But what do you think? Do I have this disorder? ]]> Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:04:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/323889 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/323847
Well a journalist I wanted to be at one point .. but that would have had me doing too much reading (which I hate might I add) and then I was sure I couldnt pass the CARIMAC test at UWI. Miserable life huh?

Well here is a tribute to me .. or is it a eulogy ( i dont even know the correct spelling) well I wouldnt say my journalism career has ended yet - but one chapter of it has closed.

So ode to great joy ... hehe

What I loved the best? My two features that I started ... hehe. But as you can see i was cut out to be a good journalist. :)

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]]> Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:25:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/323847 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/318723 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:09:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/318723 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/318673
A friend of mine speak of me as her conscience and the one to get her back on track when she wanna slack off but hey I didnt know I was gonna get my own aid de camp! Who made the order anyway? I sure didnt? But what the heck - make use of it. ...

So, it took a freind more than a year to think he understands me really well. Another took about 4 years to understand me and get into my psyche to the point I dissassociated my ties for quite sometime and became acquaintances ... . others think they know me in little time or long time .. but my aid de camp aka conscience seems to be good at his game.

But my aid de camp may just be heaven sent ... or perhaps from the firey pit of hell ... only time will tell I guess.

How did my aid de camp come about? I want to do this proposal .. yes and a friend gave me my conscience instead of a resource person on the topic it seems. within a few days my conscience has managed to climb over my wall and think like I do... scary isnt it ..

I am terrified too. It gives me the shivers I will have to keep my eyes on my conscience .. but hey I cant really see it ... oh shoot .. but I have the research findings for u :

here goes.... my diagnosis
u a kool dude that live life on da surface, and dont really let people into ur personal space or too close. ur guard is high and u have a persona that on the outskirts says I am confident, comfortable, etc. and that is true - but something is missing. though u wont say if people persist enuff, and prove themseves to u then maybe just maybe u'll let down ever now and then. A peek of wats inside shines forth in different ways, but u shut down b4 it mushrooms.

U do much introspection but u dont share. introspectively u use ur writing skills to skim the surface.

And 'conscience' actually thought this was bull ... lol ... I dont even know if its fully true ... but what do u think? I especially like the confident and thats true part. hehe .. I do take a complement well.

u like being feeling in control like u doing now or trying to. u also like attention though u dont readily give or get attached. u almost have a cut and go through mentality but all of it is stemming from fear. u are smart and multi talented and u dont care too much about certain things at least thats what u show.

Wow, quite interesting I'd say .. but is this really me? Is this the mean that I have created over the 21 years and 10 months of my existence? What am I to do? Conscience says there is a reason why we met ... but I was not given that document for the terms of reference for the contract as conscience aid de camp... but i look forward to gettin the answer.

But on a scale of 1 - 10 how much would u give conscience? What do you think of me? Let me know......

]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2008 23:32:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/318673 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/317609
Well, school is now done for me. I suppose should be excited that I am now the holder of a BSc in Management Studies (Marketing) - should I? I am not quite sure. One thing though, I can tell is what a lot of stress, hard times, coping times and needing times.... But never the less I managed to complete it - though not in my alloted time.

Unemployment is a major concern of many of us, as young people here in Jamaica. Many finish school an are unable to be even underemployed to be happy that at least they have a salary at the end of the month. For me, I was in a job as of June of this year. And I can say thus far ... I think I prefer school somewhat - some mornings you dont wanna go to school, you just dont go but work ... oh boy make sure you're there. I guess its all apart of being adult. hehe ... the day most if not all of us dream of. But what a life it is ... expense upon expense ... which make you realise why your parents always have no money. Imagine if we had children like they have us? Headache ... comes to mind! What do you think?

But thanks to God's richest blessing - I have so far managed or coped more than one at one time.

I had a short stint at an Educational Institution for 4 weeks as an Admin Asst. Wow! Outside of my area of study you might think ... but I was actually doing Marketing stuff .. I created ads and creative brief ... but I didnt stay long enough to see them through. What happened ... ? I moved to a big media house .. to do something I always wanted to do ... investigative journalism. Jamaica really doesnt allow for that in its reality as I would have wanted so I settled for just being a journalist. Wasnt bad at all ... And then I got to coordinate a local schools project which I wanted to do as well. Life is certainly good for me .. you might say .. There have been lots of stuggles ... such as my nomadic period but I will dwell not on such. I enjoyed myself ... My journalism career has now come to an end though .. ..

I now had the desire to make change ... so a Violence Prevention Coordinator .. I will now be for 4 months .. Hey did I tell you that I also had a part time job, and then took up a next contract job for 20 days? Plus managing school ... quite the character - but I'd say no. I dont consider myself to be so much of a role model.

So come 2008 I will no longer be a journalist ... and school competition coordinator

So let's ring in the new year - with hopes for happiness and prosperity ... and all that it has to offer. ]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:49:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/317609 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/315595
However, amidst the absence of the excitement that would usually accompany the Election Day activities, I was bursting in anticipation to squarely make my X. I was unable to vote in the General Elections, so the today was my first time exercising my right.

I would have opted for a mass of party supporters gyrating rather than just the ‘outdoor agents’ sitting patiently outside the polling station. A queue of persons waiting eagerly to cast their vote for the incumbent they think should become the councillor. I would have preferred to see security forces reprimanding non-voters rather than walking into an empty polling station.

Needless to say, I was disappointed. I handed them my voters ID only to be informed that I am not on the voters’ lists for the polling division. Can my day get any worse? Could it be a sign that I am not to vote since, I was not given a voters guide from my sitting councillor? Of course the common thing to do would have been to ‘flare up’ or ‘create a scene’ – that would have certainly caused some excitement. Who knows maybe it would have reached that point if I really were not on the list.

How incompetent can they be? My polling division had only one person named Nelson on the voters’ list – yours truly. After I was handed my ballot, I proceeded to the voting area and realised I was unsure how to make the X. ]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/315595 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/285399
I trying to tell you what is new but I mean its me what is every new except I atten all these meetings and go to work and finish up school.

My what a life. Lol. I am still not in que for socialite of the year. Lol. But that is my life my friends. I am still employed at the Gleaner as a Reporter ... my isnt that just fantastic?

I am just here now liiving and let living. But I need some motivation to write everyday..


Oh wanna know whats new .. I recommended two of my friends for Prime Minister Youth Award and they were shortlisted .. one for Performing Arts and one for Leadership :) I'm so elated.. I want em both to get it

Last week was Youth Parliament ... and I was Minister of Industry and Commerce :)

I dont know what else going on in my life.. lol]]> Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:59:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/285399 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/249843
I am sure the answer is YES!

That's me at this very moment. Wondering, what if I had made more well thought out decisons, choose my friends more carefully, and knowing what to say and do at the right times. Most importantly, saying no to temptations.

I mean, I was no angel but my life has certainly spiralled out of control. I can also tell you this that this is not my year to live. But as I said in my previous post, what is life without obstacles to hurdle? If they were in absenteeism then we wouldnt be truly able to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

What I am happy about though is that I am learning to live. I am learning to be a much nicer person. And hopefully I can work on showing more fruits of the spirit. I want to have that humbleness, patience, humility, kindness, joy, happiness ... wow the list goes on. It shows how often I read his words.

But seriously, we must take time to appreciate what we have and give God thanks for what we have become and can be in maybe a year time.

Let us as a people work towards uplifting our fellow brothers and sisters. Remember at all times where we are coming from. Let us join hands to go forward with life. Let us be ready to champion the cause of humanity. Let us be on our marks to run the race that is before us. Let us be ready and waiting to win.

I could go on and on and blab about this thing about learning to live through living. You may not understand to the depth that I wish for you to. But I am sure, there is a lesson of life in it.

It's when it seems that all hope is lost and when those you cared for have turn their backs on you. It's when you are trapped in a cell of cold uncomfortable feeling missing the days wheh life appear more brighter.

So long my friends.]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:36:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/249843 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/249855
Today has been wierd thus far. I must have read about 5 to 7 news paper articles since this morning. Those who know me - know very well how much I hate to read.

And now I feel like writing. Well, I always love to write what is in my head and heart, but never to make it public. Never-the-less I think I should let the world know what someone like me is thinking.

Yes, its a aprt of my program to change the person I am, but it seems fate is working faster than I have scheduled.

Ok, so I dont want to sound negative, gloomy or anything bad but I think life really can remodel itself and change course from what you supposedly prescribed it to be in your dreams.

I dont wanna say too much about myself but I think I must say something. Quite a complicated feeling isnt it?

Shall I stop here?

Ok tell me what do you do when you feel as if you're backed up against the Great Wall of China. No friend, no one to reach out a hand to you and say come.

What do you do when you look beyond the present and see friends at the pearly white gates? Painted in what is apparently gold with clouds with silver lining hanging in beautiful decor?

What do you do when you are the only one willing to help friends?

What do you do when life seem to be turning its back on some?

What do you do when you want to communicate to people what life really is about but the avenues to do so arent there?

What do you do when ... you have no more questions to ask? Wait for an answer?]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:36:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/249855 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/249403
Fortunately, though Martin Luther King some years ago empowered black people with the ability to dream. He charged us to envisage how we want things to be tomorrow or in a year. So my friend may just have to echo his fear even in my dream. (Laugh)

Who knows? Ruling the world may just be one dream that becomes a reality and an experience that leaves an indelible mark in my personal growth and development.

“Well he has some ability and if he lets his watchwords include nobility of spirit, the world might end up being a little better at best and the same at worst,” were the comments my Antiguan friend posted after he thought about and rationalised the situation.

There are so many things that would need the ‘rod of correction’. Unfortunately, our time on earth is too short. Strategy therefore, would play a vital role in effecting change on earth.

I have adopted a thought by Claude Pepper: “life is like riding a bicycle, you wont fall off until you stop pedalling.” This would be at the forefront of my campaign to change the mindset of young people. So they realise that life is not about granting its inhabitants their wishes on a platter. Rather, you must be determined to work hard for what you want. Putting truth to the Jamaican proverb “if yuh want good yuh nose haffi run.”

How would I get to the point of ruling the world is a juxtaposition of ability and willingness to take on this challenging role. Look at all the politicians they grey instantly. (Laugh) But then, what is life without obstacles to hurdle? Although I am willing to rule the world I am still unsure how I will get there or perhaps the Machiavellian style is inappropriate for print media. Hopefully, (Laugh) Hopefully, I’ll bounce upon a wish-lamp in the wilderness soon. However, I can guarantee that I would change the world for the better.

“You would consciously or unconsciously foster a rise in moral standards again especially among youth. You would not harbour harems for example and be like some officials caught in compromising positions in the office while your online with world leaders.”

As is evident, I would not waste my energies and resources on providing jobs for people and improving their living standards. Governments and the United Nations through the Millennium Goals are already concentrating lots of their energies on that.

The world would be a better place if the people living in it think more positively and are more open to speak freely about what life should really be rather than subscribe to the negativities of our respective societies.

Heavy emphasis will be placed on the cultures of different people so young people can be at all times reminded of who they are and where they are coming from. There needs to be a level of consciousness in us as young people, which needs to be fixed so the potential of youth can be harnessed.
]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:07:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/249403 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/244423
So, if you look into it reasonably I really didn’t get off work early. I just took my lunchtime at a strategic point. What a camouflage? Well let’s count our blessings. I tried that prank several times and the request wasn’t granted.

Like Columbus at sea, I sailed out in glee.

I went in search of a cell phone. I must say though, I seem to have a conflicting relationship with fate. I could not find a phone that looks suitable for my corporate character. [Scoff] I just could not find a cheap enough phone that has some features, nor could I get a hold of a replacement SIM card.

Like Brian McKnight, I was back at one.

I have assumed the portrait of an old, depressed, tired, exhausted individual quite recently. Well at least so the comments implied as they were thrown at me. I just couldn’t bother or even cared to get a haircut. For some reason, for as long as I have known myself (which is not so long) I’ve always liked my hair on my head. Even when it was all ‘black pepper grains’, I had a great appreciation for my hair.

The barber was quite kind and removed my hair for his own benefit. Which of course is to collect my money.

Ok let me be a bit kinder to him I actually do look different. (Laugh) Maybe not like the top black male sports model but fresher and approachable.



]]> Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:28:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/244423 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/244417
With that said you could just imagine how the weekend went. Uneventful and without the civilisation of light in my community. That didn’t close the weekend too pretty either.

There was still no light when I went home, so I decided to seek refuge elsewhere. I packed my stuff, called a cab and fled like a soldier defeated at war.

It was rather earlier, but I was so exhausted that ate some food and did a most unhealthy thing to do – went straight to bed.
]]> Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:08:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/244417 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243645
I am doing this blog thing again, because I have lost my passion, and most importantly my ability to express myself.

Those of you who know me well, know that I program things and set timeline for achievements and stuff.So this is a new program that will last for a time and hopefully after completing I will continue to do this.

So the new program si to post as much stuff about whats happening and how i see things, hence why i call the blog 'thru my eyes'

So I hope you enjoy it and be able to understand what i am going thru and can possibly help me. ]]> Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:12:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243645 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243557
Its actually true, and I feel so ashamed.

Then again, why do people have such high expectations of me? I mean everything that they judge me on, was what I did in the past. I suppose I had a passion to make things out of nothing. But the challenges in my life just killed that energy.

Its about not having enough, not being able to have fun anymore. I am just not enjoying life.

Forgive me for being so negative but (sigh) where is me? Where is the jae that everyone knew and were so easily impressed with? Where is the Jaevion that would take charge? Where is the me that I knew and loved so much? That had such a positive outlook on life - dreams, hopes and big visions?

I seem to be failing at everything these days. I have lost my power. My power to control self.

What do you think I should do?Call a helpline? Is it that i am suffering from depression and a lack of companionship? (laugh)

I so bored and depressed I cant write no more... it was all there but it cannot transfer to my fingers. ]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2007 23:01:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243557 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243429
So the country has being in somewhat limbo, since the announcement of the proposed change of date. Everybody has being waiting on the Governor General, Hon. Prof. Kenneth Hall to announce the new date since the 21st.

Then it should have the Madam Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.

And we still have not heard anything on the new date. Can we hold any longer after about 2 months of campaigning to another month.

TVJ made a report last night that the cabinet is at war on the proposed new date. ‘Jesus, what is happening to our country? The election could just be Monday and we get it over with. Whether or not my party win or lose. Honestly’. Were the thoughts that ran through my head.

Why, I am tired of the campaigning and tired of finding political ideas to write about at work. The politics really just doesn’t interest me at this time. And the country, like myself I am sure just cannot take it at this time. We need a date and we need it now.

Word is out that it will be the 3rd of September but the news says Portia wants it to be a month later. Yes, the clean up after Dean is important but I am sure the electorate wouldn’t mind if the date is announced and we pause a day to either get rid of the present government or let them stay in power for another term.

I will not say which I want. But those who know me – know me. (Laugh)

So Jamaica is under a state of emergency, with no light, no water and no date for the election.

Can things get any worse? You tell me.
]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:05:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243429 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243425
It’s the norm for taxi drivers to be tuned in to their favourite radio stations listening to a talk show, news, or music.

The taxi yesterday was jamming to the beats of some old hits being played on Radio 95 FM.

By the time we reached Old Hope Road, the lady sitting beside me had her full of what was being played and exploded. Requesting the driver to change the station to some news or something more worthwhile to listen in her view.

I thought it was funny, because she seemed old enough for the songs being played to be her favourite songs when she was young. She was very descriptive in expressing her repugnance with the songs being aired at the time.

For me, she went too far in criticising the drivers intellectual abilities. A taxi driver in no way spells ignorance in my view. Its just an mean to an end. You need an income source, and if thats the opportunity that presents itself grab it.

She laced the man dunce, crap like the music being played and a fool. Who is she to make this judgement.

I was like "what is this woman problem?" She obviously want to be seen. Couldnt she just ask 'please look at me?' (laugh)

She reached in her handbag as she came near to her stop. Handing the driver a $100 bill. (Laugh) the driver took it, but gave the guy sitting beside him to give her her $30 change.

"gi dis to da woman deh fi mi," he said in disgust.

I had to laugh to myself.

As soon as she came out the driver decorated the car with expletives.

The morale of the story to me, is that it was not necessary for her actions. What if the driver was arrogant and stopped the car and slapped her across her cheek? He would have being right. But she provoked him to right.

If there is one thing you mustnt do, is to kill the male ego. Moreso, disgrace a Jamaican (man especially) in public. ]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:55:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243425 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243423
For those who don't know, Hurricane Dean hit Jamaica last Sunday (August 19) and so I ahve no current. And then my house mate left Jamaica for Trinidad a week. So here is my life as it was on the evening of August 21, 2007

Workday ended and I was not at all enthused to neither go home nor stay at work. As I stepped out of the elevator I was struck with life, as it would be 7pm in the evening - no company in a dark house.

I tried calling two friends, to enquire who would be interested in partaking in a little feast; I was able to reach no one. It was almost as if fate wouldn’t have it that way. Digicel was again down.

I went through the refrigerator, trying to decide what to cook first. There was just too much things to consume. Juice, meat, fries, and ice cream were on the list of things to consume.

“How in heavens am I going to be able to eat all of this,” was my immediate thought.

The burger meat was olive green. “Not the usual colour or smell,” I thought. So I tossed it to the side of the sink.

Franks? No.

Fries? Yes, that can be consumed quite easily with salami.

I decided to toss the sliced fish in the garbage after frying the fries and salami. There was just way I could eat so much food, worse fish something I don’t eat.
Outside was covered in black and there was almost no one on the road. With the state of emergency in effect, I took my flashlight and my Gleaner ID (just in case police decide to apprehend me) and went to the bar to get a cold soda.

On my way back I looked over on the UWI Mona campus and it was like the pearly gates; a city of light. My house appeared even darker on return, as if the god of light was upset with me.

Forgetting about the food I went to my room. My PDA was however, not comforting enough.

I had to call a friend again. I was just not able to withstand that darkness all night. Fortunately, I got through to my friend. I hastily packed an overnight bag and journeyed to the city of lights.

It was home sweet home. People, light and the internet.


]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:52:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/243423 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/172813
How are you? I am doing a project on International Trade and I would love to hear your views about the topic.

I have created an online survey and poll and would appreciate you taking some time to respond to the questions. Please note that your responses do not have to be entirely academic based. We are just looking to glean some information on how people around the world think about the issue of trade and how it relates to them.

Thanks again. Looking forward to your responses!

Survey - http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=9wpzbdkpfc1ig1w282523

Poll - http://www.go2poll.com/cgi-bin/poll/pwmember.pl?uid=33598id=567variant=115x=72y=9

Thanks again, and all the best in your endeavours! Please pass on to your friends. We need as many views as posisble. Thanks.

Best regards,
]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:40:00 EDT http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/172813 http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/33302

Merry Christmas, I'll be up North from now until Christmas Day working with Santa and he's decided to prohibit us from using the internet, so I thought I'd send my Christmas Greetings from now.

Have yourselves a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year, and as we say int he Jamaican dialect "Mek di Crismus Ketch Yuh inna Gud Mood, Mek di Crismus Ketch yuh feelin Fine" (Let the christmas catch you in a good mood and let the christmas catch you feeling fine - for non-jamaicans).

So for those of you who like fun click here and click here

And for those who like the seriousness about Christmas click here

And for those without high speed internet at home or work, and only have a little 14 kbps connectivity click here

Talk about options.... huh? No wonder some of us are successful. lol ...

Ho Ho Ho
- Jaevion

P.S. For those extra special ones, I've just finished my exams today so I havent had the chance to buy you a lovely card but I'll do so soon and hope it arrives for new year's celebration. Afterall we all get cards that time too. hehe.

Quotes

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale


I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles
]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2005 18:38:00 EST http://jaevion4u.tigblog.org/post/33302