Fortress magazine issue 2 winter2016 by CaribbeanFortress

business & philanthropy

The Business of Diplomacy Jamaica and CARICOM

Mandela Day in Jamaica SA High Commissioner’s legacy

Fay Pickersgill

Jamaica’s Ambassador to China

Women Building A Brand

Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal

talks about the influence of small states on Superpowers

Jamaican teens rescue American tourist

ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016

The Year that Changed My Life

J$1,000

US$9.99

"Introspection" | Nicole Brown Photography This work is about a young boy who is from a poor socio-economic background in St. Mary taking the time to look into his own self consciousness. The shard of glass is symbolic because it not only represents his attempt to examine his own thoughts, but we recognize that the broken glass reinforces the impoverished background he lives in. "Introspection" was awarded a Bronze in the JCDC Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition in 2013.

EDITOR'S NOTE W

ow! Fortress’ second issue is on! And we are excited. The journey to get here was not without its hills and valleys and has been enlightening. The

feedback for the inaugural issue has been very heartening and we thank our readers for their kind words and constructive criticism. In this issue of Fortress we look at the Business of Diplomacy in

conversations with diplomats about their work and what it takes to be an effective ambassador. Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal, OJ was Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States of America and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) and a lead negotiator in numerous negotiations on behalf of CARICOM and Jamaica. He talks about his third book, ‘The Influence of Small States on Superpowers: Jamaica and US Foreign Policy’ and specifically, the important role his home country played in helping to shape US policy. He also tells what diplomacy comes down to. Former South African High Commissioner Joyini Mathu to Jamaica is effusive of her introduction of Mandela Day to Jamaica and the areas that she focused on to “connect the dots” during her five-year sojourn in the island. Dr. Leachim Semaj discusses the use of the seven principles of Kwanzaa as a business model, while the international Barry Moltz enumerates the 20 pieces of business advice to ignore. There is a wealth of stories that runs the gamut of business issues and philanthropy especially a heroic story about teens rescuing a tourist at a famous beach. Glean economic projections, crowdfunding insights and Caribbean sports business comments from the 2016 Jamaica Stock Exchange Conference report, the importance of traveling, interpreters, and women’s brand building, which we know will keep you ignited and motivated ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8). At the onset of this project, the team agreed to exclude representational politics from the publication. The historic use of crowd-funding platforms by local politicians for the hotly contested General Election forced an exception to the rule. Since it is fueled by technology and steeped in transparency, accountability and wider participation across borders, Fortress offers the “Every dollar has power” story. We thank you for your feedback at fortressbusinessjm@gmail.com

R. Christene King Editor-in-Chief

christeneking@gmail.com

“I am all teary eyed right now. I have just read through Fortress Magazine and I am touched, moved and inspired. I absolutely love it. It has meaning, depth and there is no way you can read this magazine and not want to get up and do good. The writing style is sweet, the pictures jump off the pages and it’s like I am seeing 3D.” Joylene Griffiths Irving Director, Corporate Social Responsibility & Executive Director, ScotiaFoundation

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 •

CONTENTS FOUNDER & CHIEF BUSINESS CONNECTOR GALE PEART EDITOR-IN-CHIEF R. CHRISTENE KING CREATIVE DIRECTOR SAMANTHA HAY ADVISOR M. RECKORD BERNAL CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS NICOLE BROWN RYAN MATTIS NEIL WILLIAMS writers THERESA CHUCK (Jamaica) SHANTEL WILMOTH (Jamaica)

3 Editor's Note

Business 6 The Business Of Diplomacy

Jamaica and Caricom

7 Mandela Day In Jamaica

Legacy of South African High Commissioner

11 Jamaica's Diplomatic Week 12 Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal talks about

'The Influence of Small States on Super Powers'

17 Musings of a Conference Interpreter 18 Fay Pickersgill

Jamaica's New Ambassador to China

19 Economical Growth Projections

A Global, Regional and Local Outlook

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SHELLY-ANN DALEY (Jamaica) HANNA FITZ (St. Lucia) KAREN HENRY (Jamaica) NICHOLAS MAYNE (Jamaica) BARRY MOLTZ (USA) NICOLE SAMUELS-WILLIAMS (Dubai) LEAHCIM SEMAJ (Jamaica)

21 GG Hosts Canadian Business Executives

COMPANY DIRECTOR Kevin Peart

31 The Year That Changed My Life

COVER PHOTO: AMBASSADOR DR. RICHARD BERNAL

23 Kwanzaa as a Business Model 26 20 Pieces of Business Advice To Ignore 28 Sports as a Business in the Caribbean 30 Horseracing Sector

Poised for Growth with Diamond Mile

Published by Caribbean Fortress Ltd.

Advertisers / Sponsors

DISCLAIMER The publisher makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information given in editorial and advertising pages of FORTRESS Business & Philanthropy magazine, but accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies for claims made in any section of this publication.

MEDIA SALES OFFICE (Kingston) Business inquiries: caribbeanfortress@gmail.com

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No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, without written permission from the publisher.

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

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33 Why Languages Should

Be in Your Business Model

34 Building A Brand

Does Every Successful Woman Need One?

36 Cedella Marley

Keeps It Balanced And Beautiful

38 Seeking My Dream

The Diamond Mile Review

Philanthropy 42 Japanese Government

Gives St. John Six New Ambulances

44 Jamaican Teens Rescue

American Tourist

46 Shaggy & Friends

Make a Difference

49 Ready...Set...Run

for 2016 SIGMA Road Race

Technology 52 Every Dollar Has Power

The Patricia for Parliament Crowdfunding Drive

54 Starry Station, A New Wi-Fi Hub

SME Feature

56 House & Land 57 Inspiration Corner (Poem)

"Gift" by Barbara Ormsby

58 Classifieds 59 Calendar of Events

ABOVE: Beneficiaries of the 2016 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run, Rohan Honeyghan (second left), cancer survivor and Rusheka Goodhall, who has cancer of the muscles, share a moment with Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run patrons, Novlene Williams Mills (left), and Sheryl Lee Ralph (second right), along with Gina Harrison, Sigma Run Race director. CONTRIBUTED

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

The Business of DIPLOMACY Jamaica and CARICOM

‟

by Shantel Wilmoth

hen the Caribbean is not being accredited for its accomplishments in sports and entertainment, it has

long been notorious for experiencing economic decline, stagnant Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and an occasional marginal increase. “A strong economy is the bedrock of international influence. That is, an ironclad reality that Governments ignore

Diplomacy is the business of handling a porcupine without disturbing its quills. - UNKNOWN

at their peril” (Hague, 2011). Strengthening commercial regional relationships between CARICOM member states is an integral

diplomacy is a value-added activity. By value is meant as the

tool for economic and sustainable development. As such, a

utility combination of benefits delivered to the beneficiaries less

diplomat is an essential tool of the State to act on its behalf, at

the cost of those benefits to business and government (Porter,

all times in the consideration of the State. Of importance is not

1980). Utility here, meaning the level of satisfaction derived

only where the diplomat is positioned, but also the skills he/she

from an economic activity.

possesses. “Diplomacy is the business of handling a porcupine without disturbing its quills.” — Unknown. Thus, it is the ability to be in pressing situations and be able to handle it with grace.

Seasoned diplomat The seasoned diplomat should be aware of the market potential of the home country, as well as the appropriate intelligence of the aggregate economy, as if it was being viewed

Commercial diplomacy

from a satellite. With remarkable negotiation skills and the ability

We understand the titular duties of the Diplomat, acting on behalf of the Sovereign. However, what is to be aggressively

”

to command respect in the host country, the diplomat should be able to report fruitful endeavors to the sovereign.

observed is the business potential of diplomatic relations. In the

Alas, business diplomacy in Jamaica and the Caribbean

21st century, as technology continues to evolve, we observe the

has not been a thriving activity. Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign

spirit of globalisation. Commercial diplomacy is an imperative

Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran, who chairs the CARICOM

tool to fuel globalisation. Within the Caribbean global village

Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR),

of CARICOM, efficient commerce through effective diplomatic

questioned whether or not diplomacy in the Caribbean has

behaviour is possible. Business diplomacy is still in its infancy,

lost its touch. However, CARICOM Secretary General Irwin

and is a rather fluid stream of learning that cuts across four major

La Rocque begged to differ when he told IPS that Caribbean

well-defined areas, i.e. international business, international

countries, despite their seemingly low profile are still viewed as

relations, political economy and public policy (Sharma, 2015).

‘prized assets’ globally.

Mind you, the goal of CARICOM was to reduce the

Diplomatic relations with international bodies need

Caribbean to a global village where regional commerce could take

to be strengthened too, in the capacity of investment and

place without barriers to trade such as tariffs and protectionism.

international trade. As Jamaica and the Caribbean Community

The aim, that the region could become independent of world

seek to move in the direction of globalisation and development,

powers, experience economic growth and not be susceptible

it is imperative that the tool of business diplomacy be seen for

to external shocks and disasters. Commercial / business

its true potential. ❚

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

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Mandela Day in Jamaica

Legacy of South African High Commissioner By Christene King

“M

ost people in Jamaica will remember me for introducing Mandela Day,” was the response of South African

High Commissioner Mathu Joyini, when asked what would be her most significant work in Jamaica. High

Commissioner

Joyini

was

speaking

with

Fortress magazine about her five-year sojourn in Jamaica. This was days before she returned to South Africa via the USA. The reason she gave for introducing Mandela Day to Jamaica was “when I realised how much Jamaicans loved Mandela… and I got many stories to tell.” In addition, there were many social challenges at children institutions, which could benefit from the 67 minutes of Mandela Day, she added. It’s a UN Day, Joyini said, and in South Africa, “we were getting a lot out of celebrating that day. If, as a charity, you have been struggling with getting funds, come Mandela Day somebody will come forth and assist you.” She reminded that Mandela Day is “about taking 67 minutes of your time to give back to your community. And therefore, many organisations that are deserving benefit from this Mandela Day. “So when I came here and the love Jamaicans have for Mandela, and the challenges we have here I think it will work. And it did!” She introduced Nelson Mandela Day to Jamaica in 2012 and she was happy to say that it was launched by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. The 67 minutes of service were directed to children. She reminisced that she had to convince civil society, private sector and government to embrace the day. In the initial year, children in Kingston & St Andrew benefitted so it was expanded to the rural areas in the following

‟

Joyini stands in front of poster of Nelson Mandela | CONTRIBUTED

Most people in Jamaica will remember me for introducing Mandela Day. - mathu joyini

”

High commissioner Joyini said that Nelson Mandela

spent 67 years of his life dealing with the issues of social justice. Those 67 years included “when he started fighting apartheid, his time in jail, getting out of jail, and for his whole life he spent his time dealing with social justice.” And, said the high commissioner, “Sixty-seven minutes is doable for anybody. It is community based. And of course, if you can get the private sector to do something, you go for it!”

Promoting relations

years. “And it was amazing the response we got.” Most people,

High Commissioner Joyini was in Jamaica for five

Joyini said, did more than the 67 minutes. The beneficiaries

years. The normal sojourn is four, so when the South African

of those 67 minutes received upgraded facilities, donations of

government asked her to stay on for one more year, she was

equipment and machinery, goods and services and care and

ecstatic. “It was a blessing as my husband is in New York, so

treats for the children.

it’s closer (in terms of travel).” ➜

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Joyini was also the non-resident High Commissioner to Haiti, Belize, Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica and St Kitts, and spent a lot of time travelling to and from these other Caribbean states. She said her job was to promote relations between countries and what you can do together that are mutually beneficial to both. “So you are always looking for those opportunities that allow collaboration for cooperation to work together. And while doing so, we ask ourselves, are there other opportunities on a multilateral level?” She stated that South Africa and the Caribbean held strong and similar views on issues as such as climate change, financing for development of democratic states. “It’s important that we consult with Caribbean states, understand their views and see how we (South Africa) can support it. South Africa, she says, is a member of the G20 and “we use the opportunity to represent issues of the Caribbean; and we have been asked by CARICOM once or twice to put forward the views of CARICOM on certain issues. So it can be a wide scope of issues such as trade, education, tourism, anything. And it’s then you have to find out what has meaning for the two countries. She gave the example of when she left South Africa for Jamaica, underscoring that Jamaica and South Africa have been political allies from long time ago. “My minister asked me to see if I can leverage that political relationship into trade. “So when I came here I dedicated a considerable amount of time on what you’d call economic diplomacy. Until I realised that there might be other interesting areas that would give me a better return for the amount of energy I was putting in other than trade.” With trade, she explains, it takes no less than two months for products to move from Jamaica to South Africa or from South Africa to Jamaica. So, for any similar product that you can get, for instance, from Miami in a week, for economies of scale, it’s better to get in from Miami. She said she spent a long time leveraging international relationship into trade until she realised that there were other areas that could give better returns than trade as the length of time it takes for goods to travel between South Africa and FAREWELL COURTESIES: South African High Commissioner, Mathu Joyini made a farewell Courtesy Call on Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen on December 16, 2015), three days ahead of the end of her official five-year tour of duty in Jamaica. | CONTRIBUTED

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

Jamaica and vice versa, it’s much easier to get it from the USA. She spoke of South African wines which do not come from South Africa but from the USA. “Wines of South Africa ➜

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will hire someone in the region to do the promotion and distribution. That’s how it will work.” Hence after expending time on that and a number of other trade initiatives, the high commissioner decided to focus on other mutually beneficial areas such as education, sports, science and technology. “So for the remainder of my time here,

‟

When things are happening and we are not only talking, then things are good.

I focused on those three.”

- mathu joyini

Collaborations She was also aware of culture, which she believes, forms the basis for everything and “I want to believe that we have cultural affinity towards each other that allows for trust and for us to be able to do other things.”

”

these scientists coming to South Africa for this thing. It would be good to have the Caribbean involved. And of course, it unlocks our future for health, technology.”

Connecting the dots

High Commissioner Joyini says she has really enjoyed

High Commissioner Joyini says: “My strength is

her work in the space of education, science and technology.

in assessing situations and making those connections…

“My feeling is that university education… higher education in

connecting the dots, if you like. This is what I know about where

particular, should be dealing with and grappling with issues

I am coming from; this is what I am seeing here in Jamaica

that society is dealing with. Our institutions of higher learning

therefore, this is what South Africa can learn from Jamaica and

are similar to each other, our challenges are similar to each

this is what Jamaica can contribute to South Africa. It’s getting

other, so I went on to forge relations between our universities

people to hear me and then I connect them.”

in South Africa and the UWI…and its happening,” as members

She drew on sports as an example, where Champs “is

of the UWI recently returned from South Africa after attending

really good” and her job is to learn how Jamaicans do it and then

a science and technology symposium.

They also attended

relay this information back home. So now there is collaboration

a water symposium as “we have water challenges, you have

between the UWI and the University of Pretoria for some of

water challenges. And this was part of the broader science and

the athletes that achieved in the IAAF World Championships.

technology symposium.”

Cricket will be added to this collaboration.

She says there are also collaborations in the

She says that turf management is another important

indigenous knowledge system that involves medicinal plants

area for Jamaica and “we have identified someone from

and that of protecting and packaging that information for its

the University of Pretoria to come and do the training here

economic benefits. There is collaboration with nano-technology,

in Jamaica. That’s going to happen. What do we get from

neutraceuticals and phyto medicine and there have been

you?

exchanges between Jamaica and South Africa.

complementalities especially in the area of sports.”

The techniques of training etc. so we look at those

The University of Pretoria in particular, is pioneering

The University of Pretoria in particular, has a high

in nano-technology and at the UWI there are people who are

performance centre and work is ongoing with the UWI, which

interested in nano-technology; so they are beginning to talk

also wants to develop a high performance centre, to see what’s

through Professor Errol Morrison, who recently led the Jamaican

possible. She said the CEO of the High Performance Centre

delegation to South Africa.

was here in August. He visited the GC Foster and the UWI and

“When things are happening and we are not only

did an assessment of what basics they would need. “So that’s

talking, then things are good,” she said, while mentioning that

a work in progress. All we did was to get the CEO to come to

South Africa is hosting the largest telescope in the world. “We

Jamaica and we made the introductions to the right people. We

won that bid and we are co-hosting with Australia. But the bulk

leverage our resources at the High Commission,” she said, as

of that telescope is in South Africa,” she boasted. “We have all

they do not have the financial resources. ➜

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Caring nature “I am just a human being,” Joyini says of herself. “And I find it more comfortable when I can mingle without anybody saying, ‘Oh there’s the High Commissioner’ to the extent that I can just be and doing what I love.” Relating to the High Commission’s philanthropic work, she says that one of the things that the High Commission has done, and with their limited budget is to fund 10 students to an annual camp. She spoke to a group of artists who wanted to launch themselves, and the High Commission donated two cases of wine. It may seem small but it’s very important to these people, she says. The high commissioner has also changed the celebratory format of the South African National Day. Last year

‘I would rather take you there,’ so he took me to the right place.

the day was observed at a school and the savings from what

I went and did my tattoo,” she said quite pleased.

would normally been a big reception with food and drink and

There was a time when she tried to remove it while in the

entertainment were donated to the school. “You always look for

corporate world. There is a stigma against tattoo in such places,

opportunities to see how you can help, so part of my nature is

she says, so everybody would look at her in the boardroom and

caring,” she related.

say, ‘Oh she has a tattoo.’ Eventually she decided “they would have to accept me as I am and I was not going to remove it.

First posting Joyini has been in the Foreign Service for the past 14 years since 2001. Jamaica was her first posting. She said what she knew about Jamaica was the music…Bob Marley, Peter

Now it’s fashionable, says the lady who celebrates a birthday on February 25.

Forever grateful

Tosh and the Rastafarian religion “but Jamaica is also like a

The message she wants to leave is this: “The Caribbean

brand in South Africa, and I said, ‘Yes, I want to go to Jamaica,

was with South Africa back then in a real sense and South

please.” She says she was pleasantly surprised because there

African people travelled on Caribbean passports. They were

so many more similarities than she realised.

in exile and stateless during apartheid. And every Caribbean

“I am so grateful for the opportunity,” she said.

“I

managed to work in the Caribbean through Jamaica and you

country did its part…it was solidarity with South Africa. So we are grateful for that and it’s not something we’ll forget.

cannot ask for more than that. You are so grateful that in life you

“We are still dealing with issues of apartheid from back

are able to be exposed to and be able to work with people in the

then, which is not over yet but at the same time we are moving

Caribbean. So I have gratitude,” she enthused.

forward with the Caribbean and the ties that bind the Caribbean

She also enjoyed touring the island, especially St. Thomas with her 14-year-old son, Kemelo.

countries and South Africa together are strong and getting stronger and for that we are ever grateful. No other country

A little known fact about her is that she has a tattoo of

South African High Commissioner Mathu Joyini with FORTRESS' Gale Peart at a Jamaica South Africa Friendship Association (JASAFA) function at Liguanea Club, Kingston. 2013 | Photo: Nicola Cunningham

would give them a passport.”

Africa on her right arm. She recalls that way back in the 1980’s

High Commissioner Joyini left Jamaica late December

when she was a 19-year-old student in Philadelphia, USA and

and headed back to South Africa after spending Christmas in

had the need to assert her identity as an African, “I decided to

the US with her husband and son. She says she will likely

do something African on me. At that time I was doing work for

be heading the Diplomatic Academy and Research Unit in

an Episcopalian Church in the community and I told the priest,

Johannesburg, offering training to diplomats. “I will be doing

an elderly gentlemen, who used to take care of me, and he said,

that and I am looking forward to it.” ❚

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Jamaica’s Diplomatic Week cancelled O

ne staple that many on the diplomatic and social scenes

The presentations are preceded by a presentation of

look forward to is Diplomatic Week, which is usually

Copy Letters (literally copies of the originals) to the Minister of

celebrated at the end of January each year. However for this

Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade.

year, Diplomatic Week, which was rescheduled for February, is

Visiting diplomatic representatives along with their

cancelled. February 25 is the date Jamaicans will be going to

resident counterparts have a busy schedule during Diplomatic

the polls for the country’s 18th General Election.

Week. Their activities include ministerial briefings, trade and

Diplomatic Week would have been the time that

investment presentations, exposure to Jamaica’s culture and

diplomats accredited to Jamaica, but based overseas arrive in

cuisine, along with that of other participating diplomatic missions.

the island for the highly anticipated events. New ambassadors,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade usually

high commissioners, and other diplomats highlight their work

commences the Week with a Service of Thanksgiving at the

and their invaluable contribution to the cordial relations between

University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Chapel. On the

States.

following days the Prime Minister and her Cabinet ministers Diplomatic Week is a 1998 initiative of then Minister of

would address the resident and non-resident ambassadors,

State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade Anthony

high commissioners and charge d’ affaires (those in charge of a

Hylton (now Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce) and

mission at a level below that of ambassador/high commissioner

the principal director of what is now the Bilateral and Regional

or who are acting as head in the absence of their head of

Affairs Division, as well as the retired permanent secretary of the

missions).

ministry, Ambassador Evadne Coye.

On the Thursday evening, the much anticipated

The customary presentation of diplomatic credentials

highlight of the week – the Diplomatic Dinner, is hosted by Their

is an early feature of Diplomatic Week since the representatives

Excellencies, the Governor-General and Lady Allen at their

must have presented their credentials, and in this way, participate

King’s House residence.

as accredited representatives. Diplomatic

representatives

Arguably the most formal event on the black tie are

referred

calendar, the dinner is used by Their Excellencies to convey their

designates until they have formally presented their credentials

appreciation to the Diplomatic Corps for their work in enhancing

to either the Governor-General or the Prime Minister.

the friendly and cooperative relations between Jamaica and the

All

designates present their Letters of Credence to the Governor-

sending states.

General, as they represent either Republics or Kingdoms.

The establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Only true Commonwealth states, called Realms, present their

& Foreign Trade (formerly Ministry of External Affairs) was in

Letters (formerly referred to as Letters of Introduction) to the

1962 and this would have been the ministry’s staging of its 18th

Prime Minister, since the Governor-General is the Queen’s

Diplomatic Week. ❚

representative.

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Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal talks about

the Influence of small states on Superpowers By Christene King Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal with Former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell (Jamaican parents) | Photo: richardbernal.net

“B

eing ambassador of Jamaica to the United States

“It’s being able to convince people, persuade, get

of America was not a job, it was a calling. It was a

along, find commonalities…its people skills; you have to have

privilege to serve in the knowledge that service is its own

some substance. I’ll give you an example,” which he says is

reward.” Those are the words of Dr. Richard Bernal in his third

noted in The Influence of Small States on Superpowers,

book, The Influence of Small States on Superpowers.

soon to be launched in Jamaica.

He documents that what he knows of diplomacy, he

“There is a man, he had served in all the ‘hot spots’

learnt from working with the brilliant, charismatic and remarkably

and they put him in charge of preparing the case for whether

persuasive Michael Manley, the late Prime Minister of Jamaica

countries were doing enough to cooperate with the US on

and a fellow Jamaica College past student, on international

narcotics. He had decertified Mexico and Belize and he was

economic issues, especially the deliberations and the reports of

tough. One day he called me and he said, there is this piece

the South Commission and the Economic Policy Committee of

of legislation that has been outstanding for years and Jamaica

the Socialist International.

should have done it.

According to Bernal, in 1990, then Foreign Minister

“When I spoke to him I said, you know something, as

David Coore, QC took an economist and made him into a

Ambassador I could and should sit here and give you a good

diplomat when he was offered the post of Ambassador to the US

plausible explanation as to why we have not done it yet, but I

and to the Organisation of American States (OAS). However,

agree with you, it’s long overdue… I am going to get it done. I

Richard Bernal considered himself tailor-made for the position

went back to my office and called the then Prime Minister, and

being an international economist specialising in economics and

called (minister) K.D Knight and said listen man, we don’t want

debt, university lecturer, worked in the private sector, was well

to be decertified and this is a big thing. In about two months they

known and trusted, and knows and helped to formulate policy.

had done it (the legislation).”

In fact, he said, “You can’t learn diplomacy. After the

“That built trust and it also said that I had the access,

science of diplomacy, there is the art. You either have it as a

so when we were coming for a Summit in the Caribbean, we

person or you don’t, because it comes down to (savvy) people

were completing our Shiprider agreement; we had issues but we

skills.”

got what we wanted.” ➜

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Building relations

In his own words

Dr. Richard Bernal spoke of the very influential Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, a personal friend of the 42nd President of the United States, William Jefferson ‘Bill’ Clinton, advisor to Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W Bush and Bill Clinton’s former White House chief of staff. “He and I just got along. He and Sir George in Washington launched Bernal’s book about a month ago. McLarty wrote the glowing preface in which he said, “that some will find in the book a “how-to” guide for an ambitious ambassador in Washington.” In what McLarty described as “Ambassador Bernal’s compelling narrative, “The Influence of Small States on Superpowers; Jamaica and US Foreign Policy" is a record of Ambassador Bernal’s time in Washington as Jamaica’s senior envoy. The monumental study offers informative observances on how small nations can influence the foreign policy actions of much larger countries on specific issues of importance. McLarty also noted that during the 1990’s, Jamaica did play an important role in helping to shape US policy toward the Caribbean Basin, and Richard Bernal was a critical reason for that success. Bernal’s book, he wrote, “reminds us how much can be

Published by Lexington Books

achieved when small states and superpowers find ways to work

He explains how The Influence of Small States

together. It is an important contribution to our understanding of

Influence on Superpowers, which he has been working on for

regional politics, economics, history and international relations

15 years, came about. Ambassador Bernal says when I want

and a useful guide for the future.”

to learn about a subject or prepare myself on a subject, I write a

On reflection, Richard Bernal said that when “McLarty

note or a paper, and put down all the thoughts. Why? When you

heard that I was going to be doing the launch in Washington, he

write you have a greater degree of precision and accuracy (and

said he wanted to be involved. He came and he gave me the

it reinforces learning) than when you read and understand... I

laudatory thing (praises).”

write down these things, it means that whenever I want it, it’s

Bernal “went to Washington with the attitude, that I can

there.”

do this. This is like selling bank products. And I am selling

“International relations theory tells you that small

Jamaica. You have to convince people, you have to show the

countries cannot have any influence and I am saying this book

commonalities and you have to find the interest… You have to

challenges that. I am saying if you know what you are doing

find those points of interest and you have to study each man.

even with the US superpower you can influence a superpower

Some guys have no connection with the Caribbean but they

if you know what you are doing. So what the book does is to

believe in trade… you use every means necessary.” These

provide three case studies of how Jamaica was able to influence

things and more, he says, are in the book.

US foreign policy.

Dr. Bernal emphasises that diplomacy “is about

“It shows you the moving parts: suppose you

building relations with substance, influence, trust and what

wanted to get trade policies you have the White House, the

this book says, if you operate smart in Washington, you can

State Department, The Office of the United States Trade

influence because the system is open.”

Representative (USTR), the business community, the

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 •

➜

Dr. Bernal also said he wrote The Influence of Small States on Superpowers because he felt it is history that should be told and there are lessons that might help other people. It was not an ego trip. I hope it’s useful,” he quips.

Looking into the future Ambassador

Bernal

has

served

under

the

administration of three US presidents – George Bush I, Bill Clinton and George Bush II. He said he did not stay long for the Former P.M. of Jamaica, Michael Manley, with Dr. Richard Bernal (past students of Jamaica College (JC)) | Photo: richardbernal.net

Caribbean community, the think tanks and so on…and you have to move all these parts to get what you want. So it documents that and it says that if you are smart, you can get this done. “What the last chapter does is to say, why was Jamaica able to do this? I say one thing about Jamaicans that some people are not going to like, but it’s there, Jamaicans have audacity. It’s the feeling that they can do it. That’s the first step to doing anything. “If you look at our foreign policy, it’s not just Michael Manley challenging the International Economic Order; former Prime Minister Edward Seaga was Jamaica’s first visitor to President Ronald Regan and helped to start the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). Before that former Prime Minister, the late Hugh Shearer, went and his first statement to the UN suggested the International Human Rights Law. Norman Manley’s government (we were not even independent then) was the first country in the world, to ban imports from South Africa. We have this tradition! “So the tradition was, ‘we can do this.’ Then I set out the facts: you have to have a good political leader, you have to have a lobbyist, you have to have a strategy, you need an ambassador suitable to the task, you need a good embassy staff…all these things go into getting success. So what the book says is that it can be done, and here are the case studies, here is how it was done and here is why it was done. That’s what the book does.” “I have a lot of references in the book because I meticulously documented everything. And of course, there are things that only I know. If I tell you that when Michael Manley met with President George Bush I, and so and so happened, it’s because I was there. The book is not biographical, it’s not about me, it is about a process and I was part of the process.

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

latter, “the Lord looked down on me and I left in August 2011, a week before 9/11.” Richard Bernal himself likes to look into the future. According to him, “the next big thing for China is not loans to do infrastructural projects, it is direct foreign investment. They are the second biggest source, and I have already written a paper on that so whenever that issue breaks…I am prepared,” he said. Preparation is very important to the astute ambassador. He never wants to be unprepared. “You are competing in the world … you go in to win, but if you are to lose it’s not for being unprepared.” Dr. Bernal says you can lose because you do not have as much money or because they know more than you know; or something “but not for lack of preparation. You can lose because you are not as good.” He wrote his first book on the People’s Republic of China (China) because he saw the country emerging. First it was an interest and I read up about China and the global economy. Then I said, what does this mean for the Caribbean? …Everything I read was about Latin America, so if I am going to know about the Caribbean, I am going to have to pull together some original work and that’s how it started. Economic policy has to be continuously recalibrated, he says, because the only thing you can be sure about in the world is change; change is the only constant and it happens rapidly for reasons; technology, competition, innovation, and because sometimes things just go along. “Why economies fail and governments fail is when they don’t respond quickly enough but if they are really astute, they don’t respond, they are proactive,” he pointed out. “Apple Inc. is the success it is not that they respond to what consumers want; they create demand, they invent an entirely new thing. I am just saying you have to innovate, you have to be constant; if you run fast, you fall behind; you have to run faster! You have to make an assessment of what you can do and work on that.” ➜

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Innovation “Jamaica cannot produce banana as cheaply as some other places, so bananas is not going to be it anymore. But maybe we can produce the best coffee in the entire world. You have to look for what you can do.

Look at offshore financial

services; it’s something in which scale is not important. “What you have to find in Jamaica is something that suits what we have. It can’t be large scale. It must be something that involves human capital and ingenuity. That’s where we are going to get ahead… Switzerland has been making watches forever, but if they were still making the old windup watch they would be dead. They are making watches still because they are innovative. So you have to innovate continuously.”

Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal addressing the Organization of the American States (OAS). His wife Margaret is nearby. | Photo credit: richardbernal.net

Loves learning A man who loves learning, Bernal says that his father,

To many people, including Richard Bernal, Jamaica

Frank Bernal, published books, and that may have had an

seems to be always playing catch-up because we take too

influence in “making me think that I can publish books. I love

long to respond. In a small economy, he says, you have firms

learning,” he reiterated. “And I read a lot, a lot…”

that are small by global standards and their natural response

He told the story of when he was in Sixth Form (Grades

is risk aversion. They would rather lobby the government for

12 & 13) at Jamaica College (JC), a prestigious all-boys high

protection to keep the market than to say look, let me innovate.

school, and read the six-volume classic work on English history

They are not genuine firms. They are individual enterprise and

of the 1900’s. It was 200 pages each and, “I read the whole

they have no genuine (desire).

thing one summer.”

“Marx says, A capitalist is driven by capital... he is

Ambassador Bernal also spoke of when leaving JC, he

imbued and taken over, his accumulation is continuous. Here,

wrote an article in the Public Opinion about ‘Why China feared

they get the right size house, and they have two cars and they are

Taiwan’. It didn’t come out until he was a student at University of

comfortable.” But they won’t increase production from 100 to 400.

the West Indies (UWI), but as he said, “I was reading all that stuff

Firms, he says, are the answer. The environment has

from then. I am avidly interested in a lot of topics. I like writing.”

to be created in which ideas can translate into projects, and come

Neither of the ambassador’s parents, Franklin nor

to fruition along with financing. Jamaica is not short on ideas.

Kathleen Bernal went to university. Frank made a significant contribution to the visual culture of independent Jamaica. In 1962, he designed national symbols – the Jamaican Coat of Arms, the National bird, flower and tree. Recently, the Birds of Jamaica author and self-taught artist received Jamaica’s Silver Musgrave Medal. Kathleen was an insurance claims administrator. The family lived in Mona Heights in St. Andrew and he (Richard) used to go on the University’s campus grounds to ride his bicycle along with friends who were children of professors and lecturers. So going to UWI was just natural for him. He said he heard his father talk about university with such longing and respect…“It’s like I had to get a degree for him.” On his father’s verandah Richard was exposed as a

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Dr. Richard Bernal (past students of Jamaica College (JC)) | Photo: richardbernal.net

little kid just hanging around listening to luminaries such as Don Mills (economist, Jamaica's diplomat emeritus and chairman ➜

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of the UN Security Council), G. Arthur Brown (former Bank of

you have age groups over 35, over 40, over 50. You have to win

Jamaica Governor and alternate Governor of the World Bank),

some tournaments and you have to train.”

Sir Edgerton Richardson (Jamaica's first representative to the

Bernal considers himself a unique person in that

United Nations and its former Ambassador to Washington),

everywhere he goes he gets along with everybody. This he

A.E.T. Henry (a BBC-trained journalist who became the first head

says began in high school where he held leadership positions.

of the Government’s Public Relations Office (forerunner of the

“Bernal, you do it because you’re the only person who talks with

Jamaica Information Service), Ashton Wright (former permanent

everyone including the gay guy.” At one point he even made a

secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and diplomat) and

valiant attempt for a student athlete to be reinstated. He has

the Marsh brothers who both became judges of the high court.

made some good friends all his life. He enjoys Jamaican foods

He said they were all imbued about independence, federation,

such as a good jerked pork, ackee and saltfish, bun and cheese,

building the country so that the young Bernal just absorbed it by

patty, roti… and the list goes on.

osmosis. “That’s why I am not in the private sector. I am more

Ambassador

in the public sector,” he added.

married to Margaret, a Nottingham-

Unique person

trained sociologist, cultural heritage specialist and poet. Together they

Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal, who is currently the

have two sons – Brian, an architect,

Counselor for Jamaica in the Inter-American Development Bank

and Darren, an assistant professor

(IADB), has hobbies. He listens to music … a lot of jazz. He is a

of psychology, and daughter-in-law

sports fan and an avid squash player. He says he played twice in the US National Open. “I didn’t get very far but to get in there you have to win tournaments. You see, they make it easier as

Guila, an architect. The Bernals are Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal at his home

proud grandparents of Nile and Elle. ❚

"castaway" | Nicole Brown Photography Fisherman's Boat waits expectantly to go to sea for catch of the day at Boston Beach, Portland

Bernal

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Musings of a

Conference Interpreter by KAREN M. HENRY

he story is told of a conference organiser in Latin America

what the speaker is about to say. Despite constant appeals

who thought that interpreters charged too much money

for background material or the actual speeches before the

and so he wanted to avoid hiring them for his meeting. He

presentations, these requests are not usually granted.

also heard that he had to rent interpreting equipment and

In addition to the actual challenge of doing simultaneous

booths for the meeting and readily did so, as he thought that

interpreting, at times the equipment fails you. I recently did a

would solve his problems. On the morning when the meeting

conference where I was hearing the Russian interpreter instead

started, the opening speeches were made, but more than half

of the speaker on the floor, so my audience heard nothing from

the participants didn't understand anything. Why? Because

me at several intervals. That was a bit of a nightmare!

the penny-pinching organiser thought that the booth equipment

Then there is the business of accents. Some non-

could do simultaneous interpretation! Sorry sir, technology is

native speakers of English attend conferences saying that they

capable of many things, but interpreting simultaneously is not

will present in English, but woe be unto the interpreter assigned

one of them.

to interpret for that delegate! Sometimes the speaker is barely

With the advent of Google Translate and other

intelligible or uses words incorrectly.

translation software, many persons are under the false

At times we also have to cope with Portuguese-

impression that they can use the vocabulary and phrases on

speaking delegates who claim that they will speak in Spanish but

their smart phones to communicate in a meaningful way with

instead use a blend of Spanish and Portuguese, which we refer

persons who speak another language. This is simply not true.

to as "Portañol." In this scenario, we often have to apologise to

The same applies to translating and interpreting – online tools

the delegates and turn off our microphones, because contrary

can give you some assistance, but they are still very limited.

to popular opinion, Spanish and Portuguese are not very close,

If simultaneous interpreting were easy, it would not be ranked

especially when spoken.

among the top 10 most mentally stressful jobs in the world.

To many persons, interpreting appears glamorous and exciting. To those of us who do it, it can be very stressful, but

Interpreting challenges

it definitely gives us an adrenaline rush; plus the opportunity to

First of all, interpreters have to interpret technical material most of the time: medicine, engineering, finance, etc.

meet new people, learn new things, and even travel at times, which make it all worthwhile. ❚

not casual conversations. Secondly, we have to interpret this material for persons who are subject-matter experts, but not bilingual or trilingual and therefore depend on us to interpret the concepts, research material, etc. that they wish to share

Karen Henry is a former staff translator at the World Bank, immediate past president of the Translators and Interpreters’ Association of Jamaica, and the host of RJR's Spanglish feature. She can be contacted at: karenhenrytranslations@gmail.com

with their colleagues attending the meeting. Thirdly, we have to think on our feet because most of the time, we have no idea 1

http://edmf.com/en/simultaneous-interpreting

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Fay Pickersgill JAMaica’s New Ambassador to China F

ay Pickersgill is elated. She is excited and is “supremely

much more glory. It is just amazing. And obviously that opens

honoured” to be asked not only to be ambassador for her

up the room for many economic opportunities along the way,”

country but also to The People's Republic of China at a time like this, when China is where it’s at and where it's poised to be.

says the new ambassador. Read the full interview with Ambassador Pickersgill

Jamaica’s new ambassador to China has had the

in Issue #3 of Fortress magazine in which she speaks

privilege of visiting China on 13 occasions and has been all over

about the ambassadorial appointment, her life, growing up

China, from the snowy highlands to the rural communities to

in rural Jamaica, the impact on the loss of her husband and

the seaside. She says it is a vast country with a 5,000-year-old recorded history and is very, very different in many areas just

soulmate and her hopes of advancing the trade and economic relations between China and Jamaica. ❚

from the geography alone and the culture in different places. Ambassador Pickersgill believes that her “experience in the tourism industry over the many, many years stands me in good stead” in taking up this diplomatic position as well as her associations and understanding of the Chinese culture.” She says she is cognizant of how we do business not only at the level of political diplomacy but she also recognizes the need for economic diplomacy. “It is really going to be up to us to determine what projects we have that we would like the Chinese to work with us because the Chinese they think long term and they think big,” she stated emphatically. “I don’t know if it is because the country is so big. We as a small island tend to think small and see ourselves as small. With China coming and showing us the possibilities; the opening up of that highway for instance, the North/South Highway. When you drive on that highway you not only realize the fabulous country that we already have but you see it in so

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Economic growth projections

a global, regional and local outlook

Jamaica

countries, such a growth rate would be grand, however for

Stock Exchange (JSE) Investments & Capital Markets

the People’s Republic of China it signals a slowing down

ORTRESS

attended

the

11th

Regional

Conference 2016 as one of five Bransonites (from the Branson

of their economy. Factors include (i) The fact that China’s

Centre of Entrepreneurship (BCoE)) that were invited.

population is aging; (ii) wages are rising; and (iii)

The

event was held on January 18-20 at the Jamaica Pegasus

manufacturing companies are moving out of

Hotel in New Kingston and had participants from the island of

China to Ethiopia and Bangladesh, where the

Jamaica, the Bahamas, US, UK, South Africa, India and from as

cost of labour is cheaper. It is important to note that China has oil

far away as Australia. Having done an interview session with Ambassador Dr.

in Africa for a source of energy. ➜

Richard Bernal at his home in January 2016, the FORTRESS team jumped at the chance to hear his presentation as an executive of Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at the JSE Conference. Evidently from the jam-packed room, FORTRESS was not alone. In his introduction speech Mr. Michael Johnson of the JSE revealed that Dr. Bernal was the recipient of the Caribbean Stock Exchange’s first award and that it was under Bernal’s stewardship that the Jamaica Stock Exchange landed a J$1million investment from the IDB. Ambassador

Dr.

Bernal’s

presentation

did

not

disappoint. Here are highlights of what the audience learnt:

The people's republic of chinA China will be the second largest source of tourists and direct foreign investment for Jamaica in 2020. Their taste, it is important to note, will require different types of tourism packages, not the traditional sun, sea and sand that is more popularly marketed. Their interest rates are small and that trend is expected to grow. China’s growth is typically 10-12% per annum. However, this year their growth rate is forecasted to be 6%. For many

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Their investments are going to be more diversified than

Climate change in the region is going to require

before and the country will be looking in the area of export of

mainstreaming and public-private work. Permanent damage

services versus goods.

is being done to the Caribbean’s seabed partly due to the

With respect to the New York Stock Exchange, the

frequency and intensity of tropical weather systems. With

Chinese Stock Exchange is smaller and will not have major

Jamaica being on a narrow ‘ledge’ (Caribbean’s tectonic plates),

impact on the world’s economies. China has no say in the

it is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and will require

International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank so they

a pattern of investments to deal with Jamaica’s climate change

want to set up a BRIC Development Bank. BRIC is an investing

(adaptation programs) and its biodiversity.

concept for an association of the four large emerging markets and developing countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China, and

Cuba Cuba is the largest Caribbean island and has

facilitates an extended credit facility.

a well trained, healthy and the largest labour

The BRIC idea was conceived by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in a Global Economics Paper (No. 66) titled “The World Needs Better Economic BRICs” as part of an economic modelling exercise to forecast global economic trends over the next half century. These countries have since gone on to meet and seek out opportunities for cooperation in trade,

force of the Caribbean region. There will be investments in the Castro-led country. There are direct flights between Cuba and Miami. Jamaica does not have that.

Jamaica In Jamaica, there will be competition from Cuba

investment, infrastructure development and other arenas. In

in tourism especially for short stay vacationers.

December 2010 China invited South Africa to join the group of BRIC nations and in April 2011 the third annual BRICs Summit was hosted in Sanya, China. A BRIC Development Bank is seen to be a good thing for China especially since banks are required to operate along strict fiduciary lines so reporting, transparency and compliance would be done. A BRIC bank is one worth exploring in Jamaica

long way to go in terms of infrastructure and amenities. With every challenge is a space for opportunity. Changes in Cuba are happening rapidly so Jamaica needs to be ready for competition. It matters not if there are friendly relations between Cuba and Jamaica, neighbouring

and the Caribbean region.

islands competing for tourism is competition.

Latin America

Six developments for sources of

Brazil, Argentina and Chile were growing but their growth

investments for jamaica

has now slowed. For Venezuela there are problems

1. Non-traditional sources: Parts of Europe, Asia (esp. China)

on the political front. The PetroCaribe is not expected

will become sources of funds and will have an impact on

to be in jeopardy in Jamaica, irrespective of which

Jamaica’s economy.

political party is in power, since Venezuela needs allies.

There is going to be a shift in the regional economy. Trinidad and Tobago will have slower growth. More Northern territories will see increased opportunities with Panama and the normalisation of relations between Cuba and the USA. There is also a dynamic developing for increased trade between Cuba and Miami, Dominica Republic (DR) and possibly Jamaica. Those who will make a go of seizing trade opportunities will need to move fast.

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2. Given the slowing down in the global economy, there will be cutbacks on public health. Also, there will be a gap

Regional economy

For long stay tourists however, Cuba has a

between current investments and needs. 3. A different sectoral mix to investments.

New ones will

emerge, as you will read further. Agriculture: the region has high dependency on imports and raw materials. 4. There is going to be a difference in mix of development financing. This is reflected in Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) institutions. The opposite happens for domestic and private investments. (a) Tourism will continue to attract ➜

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investments. (b) Public sector will be strained. (c) There will be continuity in the energy sector. (d) Emerging economy will continue to earn foreign exchange to ensure Jamaica is internationally competitive.

Find

GG hosts Canadian business executives

replacements for traditional exports such as banana, sugar and bauxite. (e) Business outsourcing. Opposite in education. English is spoken and understood. It is a common language throughout the global place to communicate for trade and commerce. 5. Healthcare: In the US it is very expensive. The Caribbean is well placed and has well-trained medical doctors to take advantage of offering cheaper healthcare and be a major industry. People are already going to the Philippines for cost-effective medical treatments and healthcare. Why not the Caribbean, which is geographically closer to the US? Aim to do healthcare services for the half the price. Note: The fastest growing sector in the US is with aging and retirement homes. 6. Higher education could a major export area. People are going to Germany because education costs less. (i) Climate change-related things are expected to grow rapidly. (ii) For the spirit industry, more acquisitions like those done by Heineken (it acquired Red Stripe) and Campari, which purchased J. Wray & Nephew, are expected to occur.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen (second right) and Lady Allen (right) with Bruce Bowen, former CEO of Scotiabank Jamaica, as they received members of the World Presidents Organisation in at King’s House on February 4. | CONTRIBUTED

overnor-General Sir Patrick Allen hosted members of the Toronto World Presidents Organisation (WPO) to a formal

banquet at King’s House on February 4, during their threeday visit to Jamaica. Dubbed a ‘cultural familiarisation tour’ of Kingston, their visit was organised by former president of Scotia Bank Jamaica Bruce Bowen, who is a member of the WPO. In welcoming the delegation to King’s House, the Governor-General said this was an opportune time for them to visit Jamaica, as it coincided with the national observance of Reggae Month and its rich programme of activities. “You are in the hub of our cultural and entertainment industry. The City of Kingston is the birthplace of various genre of Jamaican music spanning the gamut from ska to reggae to

opportunities There are ALWAYS investment opportunities even in the midst of an economic crisis. Jamaica has ample entrepreneurs and quality resources not just to survive but also to thrive! We have to find the ways to harness them.

dancehall. We celebrate the fact that last year Kingston joined the Global Network of Creative Cities following its designation by UNESCO for its contribution to the development of Jamaican music,” Sir Patrick said. Pointing to the good relationship that exists between Jamaica and Canada, the Governor-General said he hoped that

There is only one market – the global market. There is

the shared experiences of success and failure during the course

no point in hiding from competition. The only constant is

of the visit would energise entrepreneurship in Jamaica. “We

change itself. This happens with technology and to keep

can learn much from the value you place on peer exchanges.

pace with production.

I am encouraged by the peer exchanges which already occur

Government Policy – A sound, predictable macroeconomic approach is necessary. For growth, we need

among our CEOs and the role which several are playing as we seek to grow our economy sustainably,” he said. The three-day visit included exchanges between

much more. Support new and emerging markets. Avoid things related to economies of scale (we cannot compete there). ❚

Jamaican and Canadian business leaders as well as cultural interactions in some communities in Kingston. ❚

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Reggae Falls in Hillside, St. Thomas, JAMAICA (Community members call it "Dam Head") Photo: Neil Williams

Kwanzaa as A Business Model

by Leahcim Semaj, PhD

n the last 20 years, we have experienced a transformation of the world of work as profound as occurred 200 years ago

African harvest celebrations have five basic aspects which Kwanzaa also shares. They are:

with the First Industrial Revolution. Every organisation is being

1. The ingathering of the people;

affected, but most people have not recognized the dramatic

2. Special reverence for the Creator and creation, especially

changes required for them to remain viable and productive. In response to the needs of the market place, attitudes and values have also to be adjusted. We will also need to make serious

thanksgiving and commitment; 3. Commemoration of the past, especially paying homage to the ancestors;

adjustments in the way we do business. Every sector will have

4. Recommitment to our highest ethical and cultural values,

to make adjustments; government, unions, management and

especially the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) and

workers.

5. Celebration of the Good of life, especially family, community

The only rational choice we have is to understand

and culture.

the nature of the changes in order for us to benefit from them.

Dr. Karenga created Kwanzaa to reaffirm African

Kwanzaa allows us to bridge the gap between the past and the

Americans’ rootedness in African culture, to reinforce the bonds

future at the point where the old and new years meet. We can

between them as a people, and to introduce and reaffirm the

take one more look at the principles of Kwanzaa, The Nguzo

value of the Nguzo Saba, The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Saba, The Seven minimal principles. How can we use these

The central reason Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days

principles year round to take us into the New Work Order? In

is to pay homage to The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. The

the words of Damion “Jr. Gong” Marley, It’s time for all of us to

principles are also known as The Seven Principles of African

‘Set Up Shop’.

American community development and serve as a fundamental

The Ritual called KWANZAA was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a scholar-activist. Kwanzaa as an African

value system. KWANZAA is represented by seven symbols:

American holiday belongs to the most ancient tradition in the

1. MAZAO (crops)

world, the African tradition. Drawing from and building on this

2. MKEKA (mat)

rich and ancient tradition, Kwanzaa makes its own unique

3. KINARA (candle holder)

contribution to the enrichment and expansion of African tradition

4. MISHUMAA SABA (seven candles)

by reaffirming the importance of family, community and culture.

5. MUHINDI (ears of corn)

The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanzaa” which means “first fruits.” Kwanzaa is

6. ZAWADI (gifts) 7. KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA (unity cup).

celebrated seven days – from December 26 through January

The candle holder has seven candles, one black, three

1, a period which represents the end of an old year and the

red and three green. The colors are black for Black people, red

beginning of a new one. This time in African culture is called “the

for their struggle and green for the hope and future that come

time when the edges of the year meet,” which is a time of

from the struggle. ➜

celebration focus and assessment.

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Each ear of corn represents the children in the family

Day 2 - Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - Dec. 27

and community. The gifts are primarily for the children, but other family members can also receive gifts.

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create

The gifts should include a book and a heritage symbol

for ourselves, and speak for ourselves

to stress the ancient and continuing stress on the value of education and reaffirm the importance of culture and tradition. The unity cup is used to pour libation for the ancestors and it is drunk from as a ritual to reinforce unity in the family and community. All seven symbols are put on a Mkeka (straw mat). The Kwanzaa setting piece, which includes the seven symbols, is placed on a table or any other central location in the home. The lighting of the candles begins on the first day of Kwanzaa, December 26. The black candle is the first candle lit. The second day of Kwanzaa, the black candle is relit as well as the first candle to the left, a red candle, December 27.

instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others. Be willing to set your own agenda. Don’t accept the limitations of present government policies or be sucked in the fashion of the day. Be willing to go where no one has been. Be willing to take risk and be ‘disruptive’. “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia

Day 3 - Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - Dec. 28

Each day every candle, which has been lit is relit along with the next candle of that day. Candles are lit left to right alternately.

To build and maintain our community

The lighting practice is ordered to represent first, the people (the

together and make our sister’s and brother’s

black candle); then the struggle (the red candle), then the future and hope (the green candle) which comes from the struggle. I believe that there is an implied business model is each of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and so share them.

Day 1 - Umoja (Unity) - Dec. 26 To strive for and maintain unity in the family,

problems our problems and to solve them together. The importance of Cross Training and Continuous education. Be aware that anyone entering the world of work will more than likely be changing career about six times in their lifetime. We will all need to learn new skills every three to five years.

Day 4 - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - Dec. 29

community, nation, region and people. This speaks to the importance of teamwork

To build and maintain business and to profit

A group of interdependent people who are optimally,

from them together.

mentally and emotionally synchronized with respect to their communication pattern so as to be able to play a variety of complementary roles. They agree on a goal and accept that the best way to achieve this goal is to work together.

Speaks to the reward system. Pay for skills and results, not time spent on the job. We need to investigate new ways to share both risk and rewards.

Day 5 - Nia (Purpose) - Dec. 30

They foresee each other’s needs and make useful

To make our collective vocation the building

suggestions to each other.

and developing of our country in order

They enhance each other’s strengths and compensate for

to restore our people to their traditional

each other’s weaknesses. The result of this process is usually a synergistic level of increased efficiency and productivity. Broaden your team by outsourcing and strategic partnerships.

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greatness. Develop products and services consistent with a healthy social conscience ➜

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Who you are and what you stand for are just as important as

people and the righteousness and victory of

what you sell. (Richard Barrett, Liberating the Corporate Soul)

good over evil.

Commitment to Total Quality – Continuous Improvement,

Remember that the year will be very

Employee Involvement, Customer Focus, Measurement

challenging.

Total Customer Service – Service that exceeds customers’ expectation

Curb your desire to spend

unnecessarily. Have you identified new and multiple sources of income in

Day 6 - Kuumba (Creativity) Dec. 31

To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Learn to think outside the box. Develop right brain competence and intuition.

2016? Best bet will be passive income, preferable in hard currency. We Dare to create the future and do well by doing right. We All Must ‘Set Up Shop’ and Take Charge of Our Lives for 2016. I used the week of Kwanzaa, when the edges of the years meet, to Vision the experiences and achievements that I wish to draw into my life during the course of the year 2016. For many of us 2015 was a year of ‘Running on Empty’.

Work more with Emotional Intelligence (EQ). The ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply the

Let 2016 be the Year of Good & Plenty! ❚

power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy information, trust, creativity and influence.

Leahcim Semaj, PhD. International Keynote & Motivational Speaker and Psychologist. The JobBank/ Above or Beyond: info@LTSemaj.com www.LTSemaj.com

Day 7 - Imani (Faith) - jan. 1 To believe with all of our heart in the good that is possible in all

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pieces of business advice to ignore by barry moltz

mall business owners get unsolicited advice everyday. Some of it can be very helpful to growing a company, but

5. Think outside the box.

other advice just needs to be ignored. Here is a sample of

Sometimes ideas so far outside the box will make a small

traditional advice that never should be followed.

business owner go broke since customers won’t pay for it. Better advice: Look inside the box for constant painkillers customers

1. Good things come to those who wait. If you follow this advice, you may be waiting a very long time for success. Better advice: Small business owners need to be aggressive and go out and grab opportunities as they happen. You are responsible for initiating your success.

This hard fast rule can lead to bankruptcy.

Don’t go down

with the ship! Better advice: Follow Kenny Rogers’ advice and entrepreneur knows when to stop digging a hole for themselves,

Unfortunately, it is the most likely outcome in any small business venture. Better advice: Accept failure, learn what you can; let go of it, and look for another opportunity to succeed.

close down their business and get a new start.

7. If you are not hiring, you are not growing. Successful businesses are not measured in the number of

love and the money will

follow.

In the ideal world, this would always be true. Better advice: Find

employees, but in the profit (cash flow) they generate for their owners. Better advice: Get the right resources (employees, freelancers, vendors) to get the job done most effectively.

a problem you love, that people will pay to fix so the money can

8. Separate your business & personal life.

follow you.

In the world of the Internet enabled smart phone, it is nearly

4. The customer is always right.

impossible to separate these two worlds.

If the customer was always right then it would be too expensive for any company to stay in business. Better advice: Listen to the customer’s concerns and show empathy in proposing solutions to their problems.

6. Never give up. “know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em”1. The successful

2. Failure is not an option. 3. Do what you

still pay to solve.

Merge your business and personal aspects into one happy life. Establish business free zones (like the gym, dinner table, bedroom or vacation) so you are able to recharge. ➜ 1

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Better advice:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gambler_(song)

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9. Never leave money on the table.

advice: Think about the code of conduct with which you want to

This strategy is greedy and shows short term thinking. It can also blind the small business owner to additional objectives. Better advice: Emphasise long term relationships so annuities with vendors and customers can be built to maximize their lifetime value.

conduct your business. Train your staff to stick to it.

16. You can’t change the world. You are told you will never have enough resources to really make a difference. Better advice: You actually can change the world. As a small business owner, focus on doing it one

10. Always be innovating.

customer at a time.

While it is important to evolve and change with the market, innovation should not be done for its own sake. Better advice: Consistently ask customers and survey competitors on new ways to solve problems.

11. If you want it done right, do it yourself. If you follow this strategy, you will always be working. You will have built a job, but not a company. Better advice: Find leverage in your business by training employees to do tasks that will leverage your time. Later, bring in a team that is better at these tasks that you are.

12. If you build a great product (or service),

customers will come.

While this may work in the movies, it never is effective in business. If your product can’t get found, it will never be chosen. Better advice: Set up a consistent system of sales and marketing so your product will get found by the customer when they are looking.

13. Business is about taking big risks. This is a surefire why to go out of business and never have the financial resources to recover. Better advice: Take small risks and analyze the results. Business is ultimately a series of small decisions and incremental steps.

17. You must first write a detailed business plan.

Business plans are totally overrated. They typically are a series of assumptions that never come true. Better advice: After writing the initial business plan, get customers to validate assumptions or help morph to a more profitable path.

18. Business is about having a great idea. Many entrepreneurs think they have to protect their innovative idea or sometimes even want to sell it. Better advice: Business ideas are meaningless. Success is really about taking action and finding the right team to work with to build a company.

19. Quit while you are ahead. This is a fearful and fatalistic approach to business. Better advice: Find out how you can build on the success that you have already achieved that can minimize some of your risks going forward. If you feel comfortable, take some money out of the business as financial insurance.

20. You have to spend money to make money. Many vendors say you have to invest a lot of money to build a business. Better advice: Having too much money will make you frivolous with it. Most businesses are started with less than $10,0002. As a small business owner, it’s your money so be

14. Don’t quit your day job.

cheap. Only spend money on things that are testable, trackable

Many entrepreneurs are told to keep their start-up as a hobby and don’t risk doing it full time. Better advice: When you have

and repeatable. What is the worst piece of advice you ever received? ❚

enough customers to support your minimum overhead, jump to

Barry Moltz gets small businesses unstuck. He has a long professional career which included being an IBM executive to being CEO of SciTech, a software distribution firm. He has started and run several small businesses, and successfully sold some. Since January 2000, Moltz is in the Chicago-based Shafran-Moltz Group. He is an author and HuffPost and American Express OPEN contributor. barrymoltz.com

doing the business on an exclusive basis. Only with complete focus will you be able to grow the business to its full potential.

15. Everything is fair in business. You will be surprised what people have the audacity to do in business. While this may be “fair”, it isn’t always right. Better

2 under30ceo.com/poll-results-how-much-money-it-takes-to-start-a-company

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Sports as a Business

in the Caribbean

he panel discussion at the recently concluded Jamaica

in Twenty 20 (T20), stemmed from Sabina Park’s cricket

Stock Exchange 11th Regional Investments & Capital

mound so the format is successful and works well so much

Markets Conference 2016 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

so T20 is number one for Jamaica. To put another way,

featuring Sportsmax’s CEO, Oliver McIntosh and Supreme

Jamaica is #1 in T20.

Ventures Limited (SVL) Group’s CEO, Brian George, was

The Caribbean presents the second best cricket

very informative. Interestingly, both SVL and Sportsmax

league behind India’s Premier League (IPL). It is important

were founded in 2003 and both were sharing a panel about

to note that Caribbean Premier League (CPL)’s Twenty

sports.

20 (T20) teams have both American and Indian investors. On one occasion, things got a bit heated in the

Many, including outsiders, wanted to know where were the

Question & Answer segment when Dr. Marcia Forbes, a

local investors who are capable of raising similar amounts

former general manager at Television Jamaica and co-

of funds for business projects?

owner of Phase 3 Productions, threw out an open challenge for Digicel’s founder, Dennis O’Brien, at Oliver McIntosh.

McIntosh then told the story of how the Caribbean’s T20 Cricket competition was financed. He said, “They

The topic of the panel discussion was, ‘Caribbean

needed funding but got it from overseas investors.” He further

People Like to Play, Talk and Party: The Caribbean as the

added, “It is a shame that local investors often do not see the

Ideal Sports Destination.’ FORTRESS shares with our

value in sports (or in new or creative ventures) as a worthy

readers some comments from the two panelists, McIntosh

vehicle for investment. It seems, by virtue of non-action,

and George.

that we (Jamaicans) just do not have a vision for sports.

Sportsmax would like to do a NFL and Gold Cup-

George joined, “For cricket, heavy costs are

type sporting event in Jamaica, however the infrastructure

incurred such as travel and logistics (which often requires

is not in place to accommodate such an activity: For

moving teams in and around the Caribbean region, which

example,

has insufficient airlifts). Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), for

1. There are no stadiums with the required capacity; and

example, is eight hours away and traveling island-to-island

2. No production facilities to do those larger types of

does not make sense over say a four-week period for a

entertainment products.

game, by patrons and or teams. The tour structure just does

Marrying the party concept with sports, as seen

not work when sharing events over 14 Caribbean islands ➜

PHOTO CREDIT: manzrussali / Shutterstock.com

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(plus the ever-present “who gets which game(s)?” and what is a fair

much present. Contributions have been made and will continue

and equitable way to do so without disruption (especially with egos)?”

as much as possible.

So the question is, “How does Jamaica (or the Caribbean) marry what we want to do and what we can do well in sports?"

To this the SVL Group executive responded, “When teams do well there is often huge spreads and advertisements taken out to congratulate the athletes but then the very

ICC Cricket World Cup and the Caribbean The panelists had departing views on the benefits of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean region. Oliver McIntosh stated that ICC World Cup 2007 was good for Jamaica

athletes would be appealing for funds to help with their training and nutrition.” It was from that perspective George made his comments, he said. Dr. Forbes then threw down the gauntlet at Digicel

as well as the other Caribbean countries. Brian George however,

founder Dennis O’Brien to, “put his money where his mouth is

fervently believes, “it was a disaster since there was not much

and to ‘step-up’ to fund infrastructure like others had and have

left to show for the enormous amount of money that had been

been doing to advance sports development in Jamaica.”

spent. The Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny, for example, is a disgrace!” George said, “Sport clubs overseas are always looking for places for their teams to train in warmer environments. Jamaica could have structured that Trelawny Stadium to take advantage of that interest for the purpose of sustainable development.”

In response to Dr. Forbes’ comment, Oliver McIntosh prefaced his remarks by informing the audience that he was not PR for Mr. O’Brien. Suffice it to say, he said, “Digicel has already ‘stepped-up’ and have been spending on infrastructure and helping to develop sports in Jamaica.” Of note is that Digicel purchased Sportsmax in

The SVL Group CEO shared, “Over the last three years,

2014 and remarketed it to the public as Digicel Sportsmax. It

sports has received over J$3billion from Supreme Ventures Ltd

was therefore curious, as Dr. Forbes had noted, that the new

(SVL) via the CHASE Fund.” He said, “While Jamaica has the

brand “Digicel Sportsmax” was missing from the Conference

world’s fastest sprinter in Usain Bolt, the country should be in a

programme, which just had Sportsmax listed and she wondered

position to be boasting about being number one in insurance for athletes in the world. Jamaica, the sprinting capital of the world, should be boasting about having the number one drug testing facility in the world. Brian George believes that it is not only sufficient to have the best talent; one must also leverage raw talent, as Jamaica has, to serve the world as the very best place to do business.

why. Attendees could easily have formed the opinion that the name drop was a simple oversight or typo by conference organizers. However, as it turned out Dr. Forbes was on to something. Shortly after the Conference, the Gleaner dated January 26 reported that the Digicel brand demerged from

George felt that not enough was being done locally

Sportsmax. Oliver McIntosh stated that it was a non-issue. Head

in support of sports. Phase 3 Productions’s Marcia Forbes

of group public relations at Digicel Group, Antonia Graham,

immediately addressed the panel’s comments with a passionate

described the move as mimicking the structure of international

statement, which led to George to clarify his comment “not enough is being done to support sports” comment. In her address, Forbes emphatically stated, “that a lot was already being done locally, by the private sector including Phase 3, where prep and primary schools’ sporting programmes were being supported with large sums of money annually.” In so doing, “they have ‘propped up’ the gains and developmental successes of athletes in later years.” Local support, she emphasised, is very

media conglomerates such as NBC, whose name is not typically appended to the entities it owns. Well-placed sources say the name change is meant to avoid any complication regarding the Digicel Group's newest outfit, cable company Digicel Play, and the operations of SportsMax. After all, a third channel, Sportsmax 3, is rumored to be on the cards later this year. This space is definitely one to watch in 2016! ❚

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Horseracing sector poised for growth with Diamond Mile T

he inaugural Diamond Mile Race Day held on December

that he had created a five-year plan for the development of the

5, 2015 provided a tremendous boost in revenue for

Diamond Mile to include tiered offerings to appeal to a wider

Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), which recorded sales of over

variety of guests in the infield. He also stated that the BGLC

J$66 million, the highest in its 26-year history.

was now actively seeking sponsorship for the 2016 event.

The event,

which was conceptualised by the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC), which was also the main sponsor, was launched in an effort to stimulate growth in the sector, restore grandeur and elegance to the ‘sport of kings’ and build a new fan base for horseracing. "This event has helped us to begin to actualise some key national objectives, such as stimulating sustainable growth in the racing sector; increasing revenue for the Government of Jamaica; and creating a positive cultural shift for the racing community. With each successful staging of the Diamond Mile, we hope to achieve those long term objectives,” explained BGLC chairman, Gary Peart.

Commenting on the early start to planning, Peart said that the BGLC was committed to taking a more systematic approach to the planning and preparation of the event. “Today we are announcing the race conditions, giving the racing fraternity the time they need to prepare adequately. We’re also putting corporate Jamaica on notice, ensuring that no one misses out this time in sponsoring the racing and style event of 2016." Peart also attributed the success of the event to the synchronised efforts and support of key sponsors, Supreme Ventures Ltd., The Jamaica Observer, Lasco, CPJ, Main

On the heels of the 2015 staging, event organisers

Event, Mayberry Investments Ltd. and Carreras Jamaica.

are already in planning mode for this year’s event slated for

Event pictures are available at instagram.com/BGLCJamaica

Saturday, December 10, 2016. At the recent launch of the

or by using the hashtag #DiamondMileJA on any social media

2016 Diamond Mile, hashtag #DiamondMileJA, Peart confirmed

platform. ❚

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Why Languages Should Be in Your Business Model by theresa chuck

t has been reiterated a million times that it is beneficial

creator intern, I realised the amount of consideration of cultures

to speak a second language. However, it seems to be

that was really necessary in order to make a post engaging and

understated how useful this skill is in the workplace and for the

as a result successful.

entrepreneur. Having another language is synonymous with

Additionally, knowing another language allows for

understanding another culture. This is integral to widen the

expansion. Although direct goals and audiences are necessary

base for your clientele and get in their heads in order to market

in earlier stages of business, being able to only converse with

effectively. What I’ve learnt from experience is that the power of understanding and compassion can no longer be ignored in the workplace. This is especially true if you are a new and upcoming business or brand. Today I want to share with you my experience as well as outline the benefits of languages both directly and indirectly. Firstly, languages and cultural awareness are the immediate ticket to information and services. The world has a lot of different ideas and offers circling around. Especially if you’d like to bring something more and fresh to your local market, it’s best to find it across borders. I’ll never forget the stories my grandmother told me about how she made trips to China for inventive and affordable goods and made her fortune that way by selling it here in Jamaica. Another example is (this is an insider now!) the cafe culture in Asia and Europe is phenomenally more advanced than that of the Western Hemisphere. They have cafes where couples can sit down and make their own jewellery and others where the whole family can just build legos together. Could you imagine what a game changer it would be to take an aspect of that, here? Another reason why you need to consider another

one set of people soon becomes a limit. As a CEO or leader in a business a language becomes an asset when expanding your business in terms of both the people you hire for your cause and the audience, clientele or customers you could offer your services to. You become someone impressive. This as a weaker point to end on, couldn’t be more true. As much as even I hate to admit, personal brand has a lot to do with the way your company or interface is received. How you carry yourself and your extra credentials can make or break your image to the public. Personally, I’ve gotten the opportunity to tell you about this very topic because of my communication skills, in other languages and English likewise. You’d be surprised the amount of paths and opportunities that open up for you just because you took the initiative to widen your horizons through language. Don’t count out language as part of business skills. Many universities today have language as a joint course with business. This is because language and cultural understanding in today’s global economy simply cannot be tagged as “an extra” when planning or aiming for exponential success in your business. ❚

language as another part of your business strategy is for marketing purposes. You need to understand your clients or customers more than anyone else does. Understanding different cultures and how they affect shopping or interest patterns can significantly increase your response. This is even more precious in multicultural societies like the Caribbean or the western hemisphere in general. After having experience working

Theresa Chuck is a 17 year old student at the International School of Kingston, fluent in six languages: four of which she has learned mostly on her own. This has enabled her to travel to Japan, Taiwan, Europe and Mexico in her short years of life. As a budding business woman, she has her own personal brand titled “LivLuvLang” on YouTube as well as on her blog internationalyaadie.com. It is from this stance that she encourages people to do things out of their comfort zone and chase their dreams.

with Blakgate media as a social media consultant and content

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THE year that changed my life By Nicole Samuels-Williams

n my final year of high school with plans afoot to start university, I heard about an international student exchange

programme, AFS, where I could live with a host family and

Vinegar soothes tear-gas burn.

learn another language in a different country for a year. I was

Besides travelling all over this magnificently picturesque

intrigued and excited. After getting all the details, I spent the

country and learning about their culture, I was also part of a

next six months persuading my parents that this would be a

wider community of 150 students from over 25 countries living

great learning opportunity for me. In August 1991, at 18 years

in Venezuela for the year. It was my interaction with them also

old, I packed my bags and set off for an adventure of a lifetime

that really transformed me into a global citizen. Sharing and

to Acarigua, Venezuela.

discovering the way people are different but yet somehow we

I lived with my dearest host family, The Salazars, who

are similar.

treated me exactly like their own child and I the same, calling

I learnt about tolerance when the Danish and German

them Mama & Papa. This was one of the conditions of this

students seemed harsh but realising that was just their normal

immersive experience. You essentially became ‘adopted’ into

tone. I learnt not to stereotype because I spent lots of time

the family, completely assimilating to the family norms and

educating people that not all Jamaicans smoke marijuana or live

lifestyle.

on the beach. I learnt that skin colour does not define you; and At first, the adjustment was challenging because

the greatest lesson of all, is what I learnt about myself. I learnt

besides this being my first time away from home, the only

how not to just exist or adapt to your environment but how to

Spanish I knew was what I had picked up from Maria on

flourish where you are. There I had the freedom to become and

Sesame Street.

define ME without the social margins of what neighborhood you

So I relied heavily on sign language,

what I knew from A’ Level French and my 12-year-old ‘brother’ who was ecstatic to be my personal tutor.

With

perseverance, by December I was already cracking jokes in

live in, which school you attend, etc.

Lesson #3

Spanish.

“No man remains quite what he was once he

Lesson #1

recognises himself.” Thomas Mann

A smile is a universal language that will break any communication barrier.

Lesson #2

That unforgettable year was a defining moment in my life that laid a solid foundation. I returned that summer to Jamaica with a strong sense of identity, of not only being a

The Venezuelans taught me so much about showing

patriotic Jamaican but a global citizen. I was ready to define

your passion (they’re so expressive and not afraid to show big

my place in the world. Having lived harmoniously amongst

feelings externally), reverence in Christianity (they take their

so many nationalities I knew that I could thrive anywhere and

saints very seriously), strong commitment to family (my host

in any situation. During university I spent three months in the

parents sold their only car to send their daughter to Germany on

summer on a working holiday programme to England and then

AFS that same year) and love for their country (they’re extremely

travelled to France and Belgium. Again, the experience and

proud and politically active – I remember being tear-gassed at a

insights gained on these immersive trips were priceless and got

student rally, much to my ‘parents’ dismay).

me fighting fit and ready for the work world. ➜

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Han g Hig ing ou hS t cho with ol i f n V riends ene zue at la

With m y hos The Sa t family, lazars

At the AFS Orientation Camp

ains Barbecue in the mount

Fast forward 25 years, I now live and work in the Middle East for the past nine years in Dubai, one of the most diverse cities in the world, utilising all my AFS skills. The mindset of being open, non-judgmental and empathetic that I developed through that multi-cultural experience has served me well throughout my career from my early years in Jamaica. Always driven to understanding the customer and then being able to assimilate, communicate and connect in an authentic way was the key to my success in marketing and advertising. Now as an executive training consultant and coach, my approach and

At my birthday party

attitude towards my clients remain the same.

Lesson #4

All human beings regardless of age, status or culture want to be respected. Today, we live in a smaller, more transient world because of technology and more specifically social media, so now more than ever we need intercultural competence. To be successful on the global stage we must develop the ability to engage effectively and appropriately within different cultural settings, whether encountered locally or internationally.

For

Caribbean people, our islands are small in the context of the world and we limit our thinking when we limit our exposure. Therefore, we benefit from not only learning about other cultures virtually but also by travelling beyond our shores and further than the usual North America to places that may push us outside

Lesson #5

(Dan With cing El Di a devi l of blo de Cor Yare pus Cris ti)

Open your mind, you open your world. Economical ways to experience the world Stay at host home for free: afs.org/afs-and-intercultural-learning couchsurfing.com bewelcome.org hospitalityclub.org Earn while away: joystyouthexchangeintl.org teachaway.com gooverseas.com/teach-abroad/japan ❚

of our comfort zone. Enriching experiences and lifelong friendships await you in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our greatest growth comes when we bravely step into our stretch zone where we may feel uncertain yet excited at the

Nicole Samuels-Williams is a global citizen, lover of life, doting mother of two super ‘sheros’ and lucky-in-love to GWill. She is a juggler of work, life, family, friends and community service. Her outlook: Go big or go home. Favorite quote: “Do what you love, love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

same time. It’s time to define your place in the world.

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Building a Brand: Does Every

Successful Woman Need One? By Hanna Fitz

loun Ndombet-Assamba – (a heroine in law, politics, and

This is what branding is all about; when a name is

community service in Jamaica); Christine Lagarde – (IMF

mentioned it triggers certain emotions and impressions in the

Boss and fashion icon) and the late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles

mind of the customer or the general public from their encounter

– (Iron Lady of the Caribbean): What do these diplomats and

with that brand. More than a logo or icon, your brand, whether

head of state have in common? A brand!

it is a personal brand or company brand, is what people think of

A brand is not a logo, special paper or business card

first when they hear your (the) name.

(though a key element of branding) that brings meaning and

A brand is something intangible, it cannot be seen; it

a certain impression about these strong women who have

only exists in someone else's mind. While we use fancy dresses

accomplished greatness in their careers, it is (was) their

and accessories like logos, packaging and other collateral

consistent delivery of a certain result, effort, image and/or role

material to add visual context and create a certain perception

throughout their career that has created their brand.

of our brand, these things alone are not a brand. So what is a brand and why does every person and business need one, regardless of whether you are famous or not? Why should you care about building one? One of my favorite definitions of a brand is by Seth Godin – author of Linchpin, who says that “a brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another. If the consumer (whether it’s a business, co-worker, client, etc.) doesn’t pay a premium, make a selection or spread the word, then no brand value exists for that consumer. When someone says your name, “what comes to his or her mind?” Who do you want to be and what do you want to be known for? If you don’t clearly define the story you want people to say, they will define it and tell it to you. You have the power to shape and reshape the market’s perception of your brand, the way you want the story to be told. Telling a good story and building a strong relationship with desirable memories will set your brand apart. But what I love about this definition is its consideration of one of the most compelling reasons why you need to focus on building a brand; brands can charge premium prices (whether it’s a salary negotiation or products and services). ➜

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If you are not a brand, then you are just a commodity,

respected financial professional, but without a doubt she serves

another “me too” in the race. Without a brand you will always

as a fashion icon for successful women. This is part of her

be competing on is price and there is always someone willing

brand, influence and following.

to earn less. The expectation and story aspect of a brand plays a key role in a brand’s ability to charge premium prices. If two people went for an interview, one is relatively unknown with very little experience and the other is already well-known in the industry circles and known for delivering results (all things being equal that this company can afford and wants only the best talent), the well-known person will be selected. That is why we often hear “a brand is a promise.” Another reason why you should focus on building a brand is that like-minded people, ideal customers and gamechanging opportunities you desire will find and gravitate to you more easily. Think about it, certain personalities are attracted to people, products and services that match their ideals and lifestyle. You have to embody the image of the “tribe” (people) you want to attract. Christine Lagarde is a world renowned and

Finally, having a brand will differentiate you from a sea of “me too” products and services. It can transform an ordinary person into someone extraordinary and that is powerful. These attributes play a key role in increasing demand and driving up sales and value. So, should you invest in building a brand? The answer is yes, only if you desire to differentiate yourself, products and services, earn a higher value and build a loyal following. ❚ Hanna Fitz is the founder of hannafitz.com; helping entrepreneurs build their brand and personal freedom. She is a Brand Strategist, Business and Life Coach who has worked with a number of award winning brands helping them find solutions to their number #1 problem “Getting More Customers”. Hanna is the author of I AM THE GATEKEEPER: 101 Daily Keys To Unlock Your Happiness, Overcome Adversity and Fulfill Your Purpose, a daily road map that will help you develop a positive mindset and take action on your goals. She has a BA (first class) in Corporate Management and a Masters of Law in International Commercial Law. She is a world traveller and novice sailor. You can visit her website THE BRAND ATELIER at hannafitz.com.

in association with

Presents

Think Beyond Today A series of practical, high impact workshops for entrepeneurs. World-class training that influences business growth, and is led by savvy international and local facilitators. For more details, email:info@Bransoncentre.co

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Cedella Marley keeps it

balanced and beautiful by Shantel Wilmoth & GALE PEART

edella Marley is a radiant beauty. Variations of, “Wow, she looks great. Her skin is glowing. How does she do it?” were recurring

comments about her FORTRESS magazine cover photo. The same happened last year when Cedella was booked by Caribbean Fortress Ltd., to appear on Paul Brunson1’s online show. She revealed many gems including her beauty regimen that others, especially women, could reference repeatedly. It is for this reason FORTRESS sought and received her permission to highlight a few of her gems and, hey, who says a business powerhouse cannot be beautiful too?

Beauty regimeN With the element of curiosity bursting at its seams, Cedella finally belled the cat and revealed her beauty secret. She has been a vegetarian since 18 years old, though she describes her diet as being more of a "fruitarian", as she eats more fruits than vegetables. This ties in sweetly with her favourite fruit as readers may recall from FORTRESS Issue 1 – Cedella Marley: A Business Powerhouse. In addition to eating a lot of fruit, she does not forget to take her supplements. Cedella drinks collagen at nights and, "whatever is necessary to keep my husband interested," she shared in good humor. ➜

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1 Brunson once hosted Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)’s Lovetown USA and is now a host of Black Enterprise’s Our World television show and Mentor Monday.

Her figure is maintained through dancing, an activity she has engaged in from a young age. One look at Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers music videos and readers will see, “Look who is dancing now. Ah wooh.” Dancing, she says, has had a positive impact on her body, even allowing her to "pop back" easily after three pregnancies. “Dancing is great; having fun never really feels like exercise.” Cedella refers to herself as a "work-outaholic," as she exercises twice per day. “If you want to look great you have to put in the work!” For Cedella, a Focus T252 workout is done in the morning with P90X3 workouts in the evening and that constitutes a regular day. She eats what she wants, while maintaining her vegetarian diet, but works out a lot. “Ultimately, it is all about balance.” Balance, which Cedella retains, as she is a mother, a wife and a designer among other things. How does she do it? "Have at least one meal with the family," she stated, and added that family dinners are a great way to express how the day went.

ever present

While she was not scarred from her parents being away on tour frequently, it is just one of those situations she would change if she could have. As a result, Cedella

‟

Whatever is necessary to keep my husband interested.

ensures that she is ever present in the lives of her children.

- cedella marley

At the One Love Music Festival, in honour of Bob Marley's

”

71st birthday, at Rose Hall, Montego Bay, persons would have seen her and family being supportive of Skip, her son. Did you see his performance? Skip's resemblance to Bob, his grandfather, is uncanny. In the mornings after Cedella’s first workout, she cuddles up in bed with her husband for their movie day, and enjoy each other. "It doesn't necessarily have to be going out," Marley says. Her home from which she works is conducive and comfortable and she often does not want to leave. “It suits my lifestyle.” Cedella Marley is a super human in her own right, balancing career, being there for her husband and children, and preserving her beauty; and regarding every aspect of her life in balanced proportions. ❚ 2 T25 is a program that delivers results one would expect from an hourlong exercise workout, in under 30 minutes. 3 P90X is a complete 90-day home fitness system designed to get users in the best shape of their life.

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Seeking My Dream

The Diamond Mile Review by gale peart

magnificently transformed

“Formal wear in the daytime? " "Midday, when the sun is extra hot?”

An upbeat and organised team warmly greeted patrons.

“At Caymanas Park, which is so dusty? Not a chance!”

Tickets were processed, armbands placed and a schedule and

“I wouldn’t even have the right outfit anyway.”

booklet were provided. At a second checkpoint, guests were

hose were some utterances from naysayers leading up to the #DiamondMileJa. From the turn out on December 5,

however, it was clear those views were not widely shared. A special blend of adventurous and loyal horseracing goers, and their partners, attended. For the most part they complied with the dress code (hat/jacket) for a jolly good time and witnessed the entry of Seeking My Dream, the winning horse, in the Caribbean’s history books. As a first timer to betting and to horseracing generally, this writer went to Caymanas Park, Jamaica’s only racetrack, with an open mind. Frankly, the event promo appealed to my adventurous spirit and piqued interest enough to hunt online for vintage horseracing clips of Knutsford Racetrack and Falmouth’s racecourse, which once featured prominently on racing calendars when sugar was gold.

Besides, I had

officially welcomed, drinks offered, along with an invitation for a photo opportunity by the branded ‘step and repeat’ banner. Many obliged. After all, great care had gone into the planning of attire, from the look of things, which matched the posture and confidence level of patrons. Tailored jackets, fascinators and top hats tend to do that. Patrons wore them smartly, especially the gentlemen whom copped a lot of attention. We daresay they upstaged the ladies. Mind you, ladies were on point too but the men, distinguished themselves almost giving notice that the #DiamondMileJa was their playing ground. It was refreshing to see and by the way snapshots hardly did them justice. With all the trappings and high-roller elements – beautiful people, good food, fun and high stakes – the stage was set for their ‘Sunday best’ (suits). The infield was magnificently transformed with air-

heard about Australia’s Melbourne Cup, England’s Ascot and

conditioned tents impeccably decorated in white, black and

Barbados’ Sandy Lane Gold Cup - elegant, and prestigious

platinum trimmings. The interior showcased work from some of

sporting events - and wondered how Jamaica would fair. Here

Kingston’s best designers where spaces were customized and

then is FORTRESS’ take on the event.

fashioned based on corporate colours. Flat screen monitors ➜

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PREVIOUS PAGE: Seeking My Dream - Winning horse with jockey Omar Walker. | CONTRIBUTED ABOVE: Keneea Linton George (fashion designer and wife of SVL Group CEO, Brian George); Mayberry Chairman Chris Berry with fascinating ladies; A head turner; Leacroft Forde of JMMB's Fin. Solutions Manager and former BGLC Commissioner. | CONTRIBUTED

facilitated a close view of the racecourse and entertainment.

Single ladies, here is an insider; if you are looking for eligible Caribbean men, who happen to be ‘snazzy’ and who

exquisite fare Champagne flowed all day from well-appointed bars, which boasted an assortment of premium liquors, fresh juices (with coconut water being a top chaser) and a selection of Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ) and iCool beverages. Guests delighted in exquisite sushi and sashimi from Roe’s Japanese and Chinese dishes and Jacqui Tyson’s punched-up, homely Jamaican cuisine from mini coal pots added a nice cultural element. Save for one tiny misstep with chicken foot soup “steppers”, which apparently startled some foreigners and locals, Miss Tyson’s offerings were excellent. Assorted desserts were available with a free-for-all mini marshmallow and candy bar.

enjoy socializing and winning big bucks, then bookmark the annual #DiamondMileJa event! Somebody better tell Terry McMillan’s Stella to return to Jamaica for the Kingston edition. Caribbean women are often seen to be well dressed. The bar was set higher with fascinators and hats helping to make a distinctive fashion statement. When compared to headturning and outlandish designs that Ascot is known for, Diamond Mile ladies were on the timid side. To be fair, persons, including the FORTRESS team, initially had reservations about being over or under-dressed. Added to which pre-event coverage by the Observer’s Page 2, sent many in a tizzy about helicopter arrivals and such. While grand arrivals at Melbourne Cup is a ‘norm’ in Australia, only few

sharply dressed

locally can rival Rexton Ralston Fernando Gordon (aka Shabba

It was rare to see so many sharply dressed gentlemen at a daytime outing. Chairman of Betting, Gaming & Lotteries

Ranks)’s Sunsplash-esque arrival. With 2015 fashions being a good reference, 2016 should see the fashion quotient going full

Commission (BGLC), Gary Peart, led by example, with his top

throttle.

hat and three-piece suit. During an outside television broadcast,

Seamless betting & learning

Rohan Daley interviewed the Observer’s Novia McDonald Whyte and she first named Peart, “Quite easily one of the best-dressed males”. JMMB Group’s Leacroft Forde and Pierre Shirley, son of BGLC’s executive director, also ranked high. On behalf of all wo(men) – married, single or engaged, “We want more. Please and thank you!”

Betting booths were strategically placed.

It was a

seamless process to place a bet even for first time patrons (punters). Best of all, there were instant payouts! The 80-page letter-sized booklet was filled with useful information like abbreviations, a conversion table (Remember metres to furlongs? Neither, did we!) and betting information ➜

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Punters at The JustBet tent with (from second left) Colin Newman, Jack Shirley, Executive Director, Betting Gaming & Lotteries Commission, his son, Pierre (centre); Jamaica Observer's Natalie Chin Watkins is right and her friend is second-right | CONTRIBUTED

to guide new and existing punters.

For example, prior to

positioned nearby the finishing line. With one hand atop my

Saturday, December 5, 2015 the FORTRESS team had no

head, to brace my hat from lifting in the wind, and a champagne

idea what was being referred to as a ‘quinella’ or ‘trifecta’. Now

flute in the other, whispers swirled about who would win. Given

we know! The former being a win of horses finishing first and

the squeals and screams, it seemed many made the right

second (in any order) and the latter a win if three of the horses

choice. We were not as lucky. Seeking My Dream (SMD), a horse running with

you bet on finished first, second or third (in any order). Vintage photographs of past winners were featured

53.0 kilos and 117 lbs, won a whopping J$13.5 million in a

too, making for the perfect complement to Fay Pickersgill’s

single race! The horse, owned by Derrick Smith and trained by

book, Fascinating Falmouth, wherein details are shared

Wayne Dacosta, had polarizing views, that is, if one went by

about Jamaica’s horseracing history. For those bitten by the

the Track & Pools guidebook. Its editor and Johnny Handsome

‘horseracing bug’, there were yearlings (horses) on sale:

shunned the horse, departing from colleagues’ across-the-

“Chestnut filly…half-sister to…grand-daughter of…winner of

board endorsement, and instead favoured Perfect Neighbour,

…Come inspect at …using telephone number...” We gather

a recent winner at the horseracing Gold Cup. The same person,

lineage is very important. Thanks too to the Diamond Mile

Wayne DaCosta, trained both horses. That meant nothing now

guidebook, we now know about the importance of an equine

since the SMD jockey, Omar Walker, rode his equine companion

pool, its role in equine hydrotherapy and other tidbits such as 99

down the backstretch to victory.

per cent of horses are born swimmers and camels and giraffes are the only animals that cannot swim. Who knew?

Seriously,

there was a Lucky Losers competition, which boosted patrons’ chances of leaving the event with a win. If one did not have a

Marquee race Sixteen horses were declared to vie for the Diamond Mile 1600m race. Names like Uppa Tune, Typewriter, Hover

ticket though there was simply no chance.

Justifying the spend

Craft, Commanding Chief, Franfield and Perfect Neighbour

Of all the sporting events we have attended to date,

loomed among patrons. Newbies quietly confessed to selecting

#DiamondMileJa has been the first to provide an opportunity to

what ‘sounded right’ – Seeking My Dream. Aren’t we all?

recoup the entrance fee and then some! For seven hours, noon

At 4:30 p.m., the marquee race was up. Infield patrons quickly gathered outdoor, having climbed a high-rise platform

The afternoon had winners and losers.

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to 7 p.m., we drank and ate copiously, watched races, played and won, lost and won again plus networked with local and

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➜

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, PJ Patterson, Patrick Casserley and fellow well dressed gentlemen; THE Diamond Mile presentation - Derrick Smith (second right), owner of Seeking My Dream, winner of the Diamond Mile with Brian George (centre), SVL Group CEO, former Prime Minister PJ Patterson (second left), Christopher Brown (left), chairman of CTL and Gary Peart, chairman, BGLC | CONTRIBUTED

international leaders all for J$10,000.

Patterson, and Chairman Gary Peart each addressed patrons

At first glance the figure is a tidy sum. However, when

before handing over the microphone to the man of the moment,

a quick assessment is done on money spent attending all-

‘Seeking My Dream’s Derrick Smith, a former Minister of

inclusive parties, cricket matches and track and field events,

National Security. During his vote of thanks he revealed that the

the Diamond Mile’s value outweighed its entry fee and in this

win was dedicated to Karleen, his wife of 47 years, and that both

writer’s book falls in the category of a good investment of time

were celebrating their wedding anniversary. The fancy cake was

and money.

very fitting, coupled with the commemorative Diamond Mile

Plus, we still had enough time to head home for a night out on the town to celebrate a friend’s engagement. FORTRESS

trophy valued at J$500,000. Overall, it was a good first showing.

Perhaps the

is not bashing other events. We are just helping to put things into

Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and other tourism stakeholders

perspective for readers. Besides pay-as-you-go options, such

should take note and include on their roster of must-attend

as grandstand and North Lounge tickets at J$200 and J$1,500,

events. The Diamond Mile surely had a special mix of Old and

respectively, were available too.

New Jamaica elements to attract both contemporary and mature travellers, particularly those up for an ‘off-the-beaten-track’

Win Dem Wheelz In addition to horseracing, Raffprom Ltd. had a ‘Win Dem Wheelz1’ offer. For one hundred Jamaican dollars, “Jus’ for a billz”, someone could win a motorcar from ATL and the lucky person had a choice of either a new Honda City or VW Jetta! And, someone did win! How amazing, right?

adventure and a Jamaicanized Kentucky Derby / Melbourne Cup experience. Many punters won $$$ and that contributed to the high energy and vibe at the venue. Patrons, foodies, gamblers and socialites, alike, appeared to be supremely confident with big smiles and a lot of laughter. Who would not want to be around such energy?

Good first showing All protocols were observed at the presentation ceremony. Jamaica’s former Prime Minister, The Most Hon P.J. 1 Update: On January 29, the Jamaica Observer reported that Win Dem Wheelz, a novel idea, had made a loss and was being sold to Andrew Azar of L.P. Azar and the local Tutti Frutti franchise.

Congrats to the organisers and their partners, the #DiamondMileJa was highly enjoyable. We can hardly wait for the sequel on Saturday, December 10, 2016. Disclaimer:

Betting

Gaming

Lotteries

Commission’s

Chairman is related to the writer. ❚

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Japanese government gives St. John six new ambulances PHOTO: Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Masanori Nakano inspect one of the six new ambulances handedover to St. John, Jamaica by the Japanese Government | CONTRIBUTED

King’s House:

overnor-General Sir Patrick Allen expressed sincere

ventures intended to relieve distress, suffering, sickness and

gratitude to Japanese Ambassador Masanori Nakano

danger.”

for six new ambulances, which were presented to St. John

Noting that Japan and Jamaica have enjoyed good

Ambulance of Jamaica, of which the Governor is Patron, during

bilateral relations since 1964, Sir Patrick said the fleet of

a ceremony held on the lawns of King’s House on January 20.

ambulances was another signal of the strengthening of those

Sir Patrick said the gift would compliment St. John Jamaica’s

ties. “This occasion is a clear indication of the great relations

existing fleet and strengthen its ability to respond and assist

between our two nations and underscores the fact that, people

Jamaicans in a timely manner.

of goodwill are those who think and act with a measure of

“This donation of ambulances is an immense boost on

understanding and concern for the well being of all.”

the occasion of the Order’s 116th year of service to Jamaica,”

He commend Japan for its efforts to ensure that as a

the Governor-General stated. “Given our nation’s incidences

small island developing State, Jamaica has the capacity and

of crime and accident rates, as well as our vulnerability to

capability to react in instances of emergency. The Governor-

hurricanes and earthquakes, these ambulances will facilitate

General urged St. John to continue building and improving its

St. John’s track record of being able to effectively render much

effectiveness through the upgrading and training of volunteers

needed assistance, especially in emergency situations, he said”

in the medical field.

The Governor-General applauded St. John Ambulance

The ambulances were provided, retrofitted and

for the wide impact of the work of its core of volunteers and

shipped to Jamaica at a cost of J$8.4 million. At the function,

cadets in many areas of our country and described them as

35 volunteers were presented with certificates of completion

persons who have “committed themselves to saving lives,

for successfully completing the Emergency First Responders

minimising pain and promoting humanitarian and charitable

Course offered by St. John. ❚

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Jamaican teens rescue American tourist A

with the surging waves.

grandfather, Hugh Small, QC, consultant consel in Jamaica and recent Supreme Court Judge in The Bahamas tells the

Then all of a sudden there was an alarm. A lady on the

story of how his grandchildren Christian Alberga and Liam Dwyer

shore was screaming and pointing beyond where Christian and

rescued an American tourist from drowning at Frenchman’s

Liam were swimming. The waves were choppy. The boys swam

Cove Beach in Portland, last December 27.

frantically beyond the rope and towards what seemed to be a man

Christian is a national swimmer for Jamaica, a black belt taekwondo holder and a student at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts (USA).

His cousin, Liam, is a

taekwondo athlete (black belt) and a Quality Academics student in St. Andrew, Jamaica. Together they saved a man's life. The man, identified as Marcus, resides in Atlanta, Georgia. He was visiting Jamaica with his family over the Christmas holidays. They were guests of Lurline and Keith Binns, local retirees.

of the water. He seemed to be much larger than them. It was not easy to watch. As sometimes they were out of sight as the wave surges were so strong. Sometimes I could see them and they seemed to have moved the man over the rope and closer to shore. That's how I saw it but here's how my grandsons reported their experiences in a report they prepared at the request of the management of Frenchman's Cove.” "We saw the man drowning...he was completely submerged and foaming from the mouth...we swam up to him and held him above the water while we were treading to stay up.

Heroism in motion “My optimism for 2016 rests on the reflections I have of the most unforgettable experience I had in 2015. As has been customary for many years, starting with when I was living in The Bahamas, my children and grandchildren went on our annual family excursion. On Sunday, December 27th, we gathered at Frenchman's Cove in Portland. Liam and Christian were in the sea, just about where there was a rope across the cove, a point beyond which the

just below the surface. They tried to hold him above the surface

We held him up for a while against the tempestuous waves until the first lifeguard came. We waited till a man came with a boogie board and put the drowning man on it. We then carried him closer to shore until the other lifeguard came with a boat. We swam with him to the shore...where others pushed the water out of his stomach." Says Hugh Small, the father of two daughters, Kiva Alberga, mother of Christian and Zoe, and Karla Dwyer, mother of Liam and Kristoff: “My grandsons are my heroes for

proprietors did not want bathers to venture. The waves were

2015. They represent the courage that is needed to make our

strong enough for Kiva (my daughter) to ask me to support her

country (Jamaica) a better place to live and work. I pay tribute

caution to Christian and Liam to not go beyond the rope. They

to their parents, Deryck, Karla, Brian and Kiva, who are most

tried to balance the words of caution and their zest for frolicking

responsible for their development.” ➜

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In the words of Kiva and Karla, “…It was a very scary experience because things could have ended disastrously for us as a family however, we believe that God was looking out for our children… As children of God we did what we always do in times of trouble – we started to pray. When the boys got out of the water we felt nothing but joy that our darlings were okay. We are a close family and all four cousins are really like siblings. Karla and I felt such pride to be their mother and aunt especially while various people approached and congratulated them on their courageous deed. Bravery and fearlessness are not behaviours that they were consciously taught. It is their kind and compassionate spirits that led them to help another human being without fear of theirs. Our family is proud of these two, wonderful young men.” Fortress joins in saluting the teens’ heroic deed and hope this story will inspire readers to boldly seek to do good even for complete strangers. Together let’s connect, see, and help more from that safe place of ours – the heart. ❚

LEFT: Frenchman's Cove Beach sign FROM TOP RIGHT: Liam Dywer, Lurline Binns and Christian Alberga Lifeguard with rescued man (tourist from Atlanta) and his wife Christian Alberga comforts the mother of the man who was rescued. Looking on are Christian’s sister, Zoe (right) and his mother, Kiva Alberga (background left) Photo: Hugh Small

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Shaggy & Friends makE a difference Shelly-Ann Daley

very two years The Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation

of sponsors who committed to the cause, and made these vital

stages a concert dubbed Shaggy &Friends ‘I Dare You’

objectives a reality.

in aid of The Bustamante Hospital For Children (BHC). The

Shaggy & Friends’ monetary goal for 2016 is to far

multi-million proceeds from this concert are used to purchase

exceed the last goals set and the aim is to use these funds to

necessary medical equipment for the hospital, which treats over

continue the ever-growing needs for equipment and facilities

77,000 sick children each year. This year’s concert was held on

at the Bustamante Hospital and maintenance of all hospital

January 2, on the grounds of Jamaica House.

equipment.

According to the Shaggy Makes A Difference website, to date, the past four “Shaggy & Friends” concerts (2009,

A success

2010, 2012 and 2014) have raised a total of US$1.6 million benefiting the Bustamante Hospital. The funds have helped to purchase over 450 pieces of life-saving equipment for the hospital, and greatly increasing its capacity to provide quality healthcare for the children of Jamaica and the Caribbean. Of special note, was the achievement stemming from

the

hugely

successful Shaggy

Friends

2014

concert, which was patronised by over 10,000 guests and raised J$70 million/US$700,000. In addition, the event was viewed by 10 million persons through live television coverage in nine countries throughout the region and worldwide through online live streaming. Online activity related to the concert netted 2.8 million viewers of the live streaming of the event, and the #TeamShaggy4Kids hashtag was tweeted or re-tweeted more than 31 million times reaching approximately seven million twitter accounts across the world. Social media activity was again to be a feature of the 2016 event. The 2012 and 2014 combined funds were used

Over all, this year’s Shaggy & Friends show was a success despite a few lukewarm performances. However this writer cannot help but wonder if the concert needs a fillip despite its philanthropic nature. Of special note was the "Doctor”, Moses “Beenie Man” Davis dressed in a double breasted leather grey jacket with black lapels, black bow tie, white shirt and black pants who was the closing act. The irrepressible “Doctor” took the reins at 1:45 a.m. and had the audience fist-pumping, dancing and singing while he belted out a slew of hits. He even invited a young boy on stage to deejay to close the show on a high at 2.15 a.m. At the start of the evening, parking and the shuttle

to furnish the first diagnostic Catheterization Laboratory

service to Jamaica House from the Police Officers’ Club as well

totally dedicated to children in the English Caribbean, to be

as the directions from the security officers were efficient. The

housed within the first ever public children’s Cardiac Unit in

reported chaos of parking in previous years was not evident.

the English-speaking Caribbean. These are goals Shaggy &

This could also be attributed to the fact that this writer was an

Friends have set and achieved for its team through the support

early patron. ➜

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Hostesses, mainly Scotiabank Volunteers, gave a

performing You're My Angel and Strength Of A Woman, among

hearty welcome and announced that if patrons had opened their

other songs to what appeared to be a lack-lustre audience.

ticket envelope they would be denied access to the concert. As

Omi followed with Hoola Hoop and his popular Cheerleader,

faith would have it, one patron in her "genius" had exchanged

for which his dancers would have had more impact dressed as

her gold ticket for silver with a friend. The envelope in which the

cheerleaders.

ticket was contained was clearly marked in bold red letters "DO NOT OPEN."

Ding Dong and his dancers, The Ravers Clavers, got the audience moving somewhat when he did his popular song

For the life of me I can't understand why this patron

Shampoo. Their high-energy performance made me sooooo

opened the envelope to take out the ticket. Would it not have

want to be a "Ravers Clavers", as I could stand to lose a few

been better to have switched envelopes? After a few threatening

pounds after binge eating and drinking debauchery over the

telephone calls to her friend to wait for her at the entrance, we

holidays.

were on our way.

Bursting at the seams

Soon after the processing of armbands, guests were invited to have a drink at well-stocked Appleton Bars. Ample food stations could be seen in the silver ticket category ranging from KFC to Ashanti’s Vegetarian Restaurant, which had an exceptionally delicious ackee patty aka yatty. Scotiabank’s donation tent could not be missed and FORTRESS’ Gale Peart promptly made a donation, the first onsite donor of the evening. iHeart Radio was also a sponsor this year and their platform facilitated overseas donations.

No ordinary concert

Comedians Ity and Fancy Cat had patrons bursting at the seams when they took the stage with their version of the "Nene" dance. Then they did a ‘what if’ scenario of Steve Harvey’s blunder at the Miss Universe 2015 coronation, where they mimicked ‘what if the results of Jamaica’s General Election and the wrong winner were announced. Ity did an impersonation of the Prime Minister to resounding laughter, at which time Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller made a surprise cameo looking the best this writer has ever seen her in what seemed to be a periwinkle blue and white

After opening formalities, the brilliant Simona Surrea,

plaid pants suit. She was received with much laughter as she

did a rendition of "The Greatest Love made popular by the late

sprinted on stage, seeing that she provides her onlookers with

Whitney Houston. Shaggy informed that she was a recipient of

so much fodder. This occasion being no exception! She threw

care provided by the BHC after her involvement in an accident.

a few playful punches at the comedians before making her exit.

He announced that this was not an ordinary concert so patrons

R City's performance of songs written and produced

should get up off their butts and dance. He then belted out a few

by them for various artistes got the audience dancing. Terror

songs from his huge repertoire.

Fabulous was less than fabulous as he failed to deliver. Nadine

After

Tanto

Metro

and

Devonte’s

lukewarm

Sutherland joined him a few minutes into his solo act with their

performance, Shaggy reappeared and directed the audience’s

duet Action, but alas their performance failed in continuing on

attention to a screen and introduced us to some of the children

the heels of R City.

and their caregivers at the BHC who were sitting in the courtyard waving while we waved back.

bar none, one of our most well dressed musicians. He started

This was followed by a symbolic release of 19 balloons to represent the babies that died recently from klebsiella and serratia bacteria at public hospitals in Jamaica.

Bugle was smartly attired in a navy blue suit; he is, his set with his very popular Compatible. He had the patrons singing and dancing for his entire set.

It was an

There was a surprise performance by Sean Kingston

important and emotional reminder about the underlying reason

who replaced Nelly who had some difficulty attending the

for having the Shaggy & Friends concert – to help children have

concert. The audience was singing along as he performed.

improved healthcare to prevent or minimise the loss of lives.

There was a brief respite with the DJ Delano providing

After a number of sponsorship announcements by

music on stage as Ms. Kitty made an entrance while some

emcee Rosamond Brown, Ramone and Shaggy took to the stage

‘ginormous’ white air-filled balloons were released above the ➜

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ABOVE LEFT: FORTRESS' Gale Peart, William Mahfood of WISYNCO and Kamila McDonald (WATA and Adidas Women brand ambassador) | Photo: Ryan Mattis of ARRC Creative Media Ltd. ABOVE RIGHT: Working hard - Rebecca Packer Burrell, Shaggy's wife, and Tara Playfair-Scott, PR Manager of Shaggy & Friends RIGHT: How To Donate Information, #TeamShaggy4Kids - For more info visit: FoodForThePoor.org/TeamShaggy4Kids

heads of the audience. The Fluffy Diva, Ms Kitty, referred to them as the Digicel Zygote balls. Patrons were encouraged to bounce

“Beenie Man” too, had got an early start doing shows

them around and over their heads as they represented children.

so it was heartening to see him giving the youngster tips. Before long Beenie Man obliged a number of fans, who despite the late

Sparkling personalities From the moment En Vogue came on, their performance remained on a high. They had the women in the audience singing and grooving to Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and every song after that. Kevin Downswell looking quite dapper in black pants, red jacket and checkered shirt brought the gospel and patrons simply loved his very spirited performance.

more shows like these, you hear?”

hour, waited patiently for ‘selfies’ with the Girls Dem Sugar. Backstage Tara Playfair-Scott and Rebecca Packer Burrell were busily helping to keep the production running tight. While both FLOW and Digicel provided complimentary Wi-Fi in the media tent and throughout the venue, internet connection was found to be ‘spotty’. Dr. Sanneta Myrie, the reigning Miss Jamaica World

Andre

and Miss World Caribbean queen; Kaci Fennell, Miss Jamaica

Sutherland aka Popcaan made his entrance with a resounding

Universe 2014 and Miss Universe 4th runner-up, and Kamila

"yoooooooww." Patrons seemed to like his performance at first

McDonald, Adidas women and WATA brand ambassador, all

but that was short-lived.

dressed in Drenna LUNA were their usual sparkling selves.

Ashanti was well received. During her set she declared,

Olympian Warren Weir looked mighty dapper in his suit, and

“I swear I was meant to be Jamaican. I love the food and the

Sean Kingston paused to take photographs with children en

people,” much to the delight of the crowd.

route to sponsors’ tents and media room.

The respect quotient for “Beenie Man” was heightened

Congrats to the organisers and all stakeholders for a

after hearing the fatherly-like advice he gave to the young

successful event and for making a difference. Keep soaring! ❚

deejay. “I am proud of you. You did very well. You mus’ try to do

Additional reporting by Gale Peart

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

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Ready…Set…Run

for 2016 Sigma Road Race

PHOTO: Chairman of Sagicor Group and Sagicor Foundation Dr. the Hon. R. Danny Williams (left) and Richard Byles, president and CEO of Sagicor Group welcome Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run patrons, Sheryl Lee Ralph (second left) and Novlene Williams Mills (right) to the launch of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on January 15. | CONTRIBUTED

‘R

un for the Fun, Donate for the Cause’ is the theme of the

described as the largest road race in the Caribbean and per

18th staging of the Sagicor SIGMA Corporate Run 2016,

capita in the world. Since February 21, 1999, over J$166 million

which takes place on Sunday, February 21 at 7:28 a.m in St.

has been raised through the efforts of corporate companies, small

Andrew. The Sagicor Group has set out to double last year’s

businesses and individuals as well as specially invited patrons.

target of J$25 million to raising J$50 million to contribute to three

Patrons of #SIGMARun2016 are Jamaican-American

causes: Children with Cancer across the island, the Jamaica

Hollywood and Broadway actress and author Sheryl Lee Ralph;

Cancer Society (JCS) and the Black River Hospital Paediatric

former world record holder and sub-10 sprint sensation, Asafa

Unit.

Powell (who was unavoidably absent from the launch but taped Richard Byles, president and CEO, Sagicor Group

a message); and the inspirational 400m track and field star

Jamaica, has challenged Jamaicans to donate and pledge

Novlene Williams-Mills, a breast cancer survivor, who sweetly

funds towards the #SIGMARun2016. He explained the impact

powered her way into the hearts of global sports aficionados at

that SIGMA has had on children-related charities in the last

the recently held World Championship Games in Beijing.

17 years, with SIGMA Run beneficiaries receiving over J$166 million to date.

Williams-Mills delivered an emotionally inspiring message as she shared her cancer survival story at the January

In his address at the launch of Sagicor’s SIGMA

14 launch event. Just a few days after being told of her cancer

Corporate Run on January 15 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel,

diagnosis in June 2012, Williams-Mills showed tremendous

Byles told the audience of the large number of children with

courage to win the 400m at the island's National Senior

cancer across the island undergoing treatment at the University

Championship in 50.60 seconds. One month later, she placed

Hospital of the West Indies, Bustamante Hospital for Children

fifth at the London Olympics before winning a bronze on the

and the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

4x400m relay team. Williams-Mills had surgery soon after the

He acknowledged the presence of five-year-old

London Games. In August 2015 at the World Championship

Rusheka Goodall, who has cancer of the muscles and 15-year-

Games, she executed a well-timed anchor leg run overtaking

old Rohan Honeyghan, who is in remission from Hodgkin’s

the favoured US team to emblazon Jamaica with a gold medal.

lymphoma.

Five-year-old Jerodene Bailey who suffers from

Williams-Mills said, “Despite my mother and sister

leukemia was in the hospital on the day of the event and was

being cancer survivors, I thought I was immune to it, being an

unable to attend. All three are part of the SIGMA Corporate Run

athlete. The medical treatment and the toll it takes on the body

campaign.

are hard as an adult let alone children who have to go through

Last year saw a record 24,000 walkers, runners and wheelchair-bound enthusiasts participating in what has been

it.” God and the love and support of friends and family helped her to overcome and beat cancer. ➜

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 •

1. White, “I Run for” balloons, which can be personalized, “I

run for…hope…a cure…or just written with a loved one’s name.” They will be available for J$300 a pop and shall be released at the start of the race.

2. There will be a prize for the best, designed T-shirt. 3. High schools will be allowed to register teams.

4. SIGMA Run 2016 participants will be required to wear

their own bibs to facilitate tracking by Milex and realtime equipment used at the world-renown New York City Marathon.

See caption on page 5 | CONTRIBUTED

“It is a great privilege for them (Sagicor) to even ask me to be a part of this event; as you know this is something I hold very dear to my heart because I know the fight and struggle that people with cancer go through every single day. So for me to be a part of this and to see so many people that are excited about this, I could not ask for anything else.” Sheryl Lee Ralph, fresh from the Instant Mom television series, belted out a chorus line from D.I.V.A.S Simply Singing, encapsulated all that needed to be said after her fellow sister (patron)’s empowering share. Only Sheryl Lee’s je ne sais quoi could break such a mood and artfully navigate it to one filled with laughter and panache. This having revealed that her father, Dr. Stanley Ralph, a college professor, recently succumbed to a cancer-related illness. She excited the audience with her bold announcement about #TeamDiva and challenged other patrons to raise more money than her. This especially delighted Sheryl Lee’s mom, the beloved “Miss Ivy”, a noted fashion designer, and brother Timothy, a SportsMax executive. Williams-Mills’s

team

was

quickly

named

#TeamFabulous, which seemed to be shaking in their boots given Team Diva’s first recruit – none other than the sparkling, five-year-old Rusheka Goodall, who lost a leg to the dreaded cancer disease.

That day, dressed in her favourite purple,

Rusheka comfortably snuggled in Ralph’s arms. Who knows maybe someone could lobby the starstudded US 4X400 team of Allyson Felix, Natasha Hastings, Sanya Richards-Ross (who is Jamaican-born) and Francine McCoroy to not only donate (to the cause) but also for a friendly yet sweet payback on Williams-Mills for Beijing 2015? Sagicor’s Sponsorships and PR manager Alysia Moulton White announced the addition of special elements to the race such as:

5. Top 100 placers from SIGMA Run 2015 will be called

SIGMA Elite. They will have the privilege of starting the race first. Maximum 25,000 people will be allowed to run, wheel or walk. The deadline passed on February 5. Unlimited donations are however welcomed. White advised that a large number of medical personnel

will be in place on race day to provide medical assistance to all patrons. Measures have been implemented to avoid a repeat of last year’s unfortunate incident. Over 12 doctors, the quiet heroes, were acknowledged at the launch event, which saw Dr. Michelle Reece-Mills, the country’s only paediatric oncologist/ haematologist, speak on their behalf. Donations to support this year’s cause can be made via pledge forms with cheques made payable to SIGMA Run 2016 and can be deposited at any Sagicor Bank location island wide or deposit cash to account #550-239-2157. Richard Byles led by example by pledging J$1million! A snapshot of which can be seen on the Group’s social media pages. He was later out-pledged by Pan Jam Group’s Stephen Facey who committed J$2million. Who is next? Discreet donations are welcomed too.

Information

on how to register a company team or individual can be found via Sagicor Group Jamaica’s website: sagicorjamaica. com/aboutsagicor/sigma-run/how-to-register or by contacting the Secretariat at: SGJSSigmaSecretariat@Sagicor.com or telephoning (876) 936-7843.

About Sagicor Group Jamaica Sagicor Group is a financial services conglomerate that offers products and services in banking, insurance, real estate and more. The Sagicor Group owns Jamaica’s third largest bank and is one of the top investments companies. Sagicor Group Jamaica is a member of the wider Sagicor Financial Corporation, which operates in over 20 countries and dates back to 1840. ❚

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

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D I VA S :

Sheryl

Lee

Jamaican-American

Ralph,

Hollywood

and Broadway actress, founding director

of the Diva Foundation and creator of DIVAS

Simply Singing (the longest consecutive running

musical AIDS benefit in the USA), hangs out with

Fortressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; editor-in-chief R. Christene King during an interview that will be published in FORTRESS Spring 2016.

Ms Ralph is one of three patrons for the 18th staging of the Sagicor SIGMA Corporate Run 2016, which will be held on Sunday, February 21st at 7:28 a.m in St. Andrew. FORTRESS Photo

Every dollar has poweR The Patricia for Parliament crowdfunding drive

atricia Duncan Sutherland is the daughter of Joan Duncan,

has been in politics for more than 45 years; and her sister Imani

founder of Jamaica Money Market Brokers Group (JMMB),

Duncan Price, a 39-year old senator, Harvard alum, former

and Dr. Donald Keith (D.K.) Duncan, a longstanding politician

beauty queen and mother of three, is currently running for her first

and dentist in Jamaica.

Since entering representational

seat in Parliament to represent East Rural St. Andrew. The two

politics in 2014 she has brought a newness to the field – that of

sisters are leading the charge to implement “‘Politics 2.0’, which

integrating technology into politics for campaign financing, being

builds on accountability, transparency and participation, to move

one of few to do so.

us (Jamaica) from dependence to independence,” they say.

The People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for

“Politics 2.0 involves a mindset change where rather

South East Clarendon has launched what will be her second

than waiting for others to do for us, we are proactive in building

crowdfunding drive, Patricia for Parliament1, to raise funds

the Jamaica we wish to see,” says Duncan Sutherland. ➜

for her political campaign. “Every dollar counts,” she says, in her appeal to all Jamaicans and Diaspora members to give whatever they can to support those candidates who have the ability to raise the bar in Jamaican Parliament. “The importance of this crowdfunding effort goes beyond my campaign and the campaign of any other candidate,” says Duncan Sutherland. “It symbolises a new way of doing politics, based on transparency, accountability and wider participation. By opening up campaign financing in this way, it removes the idea that only the rich and powerful have influence over who is elected to lead. This gives every Jamaican the power to shape our government, no matter where in the island or the Diaspora they are.” The businesswoman turned politician, is one of a few in the island to successfully raise funds through crowdfunding, an online platform that facilitates persons making donations with any amount using a credit card. Her first crowdfunding campaign, which ran for 30 days into December 2015, raised over J$1 million. She says it takes over J$20 million to run an effective, local political campaign.

snapshot of family and purpose Patricia “Tricia” Duncan Sutherland, who has garnered much support from her peers, constituency and notable Jamaicans, is from a family of politicians. Her father Dr. Duncan 1 To view Patricia Duncan Sutherland’s crowdfunding page, visit: igg. me/at/patriciaforparliament/x/12460270

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

Patricia Duncan Sutherland, PNP Parliamentary candidate for South East Clarendon, her father Dr. Duncan, Member of Parliament for Eastern Hanover, and her sister Senator Imani Duncan Price, the PNP candidate for East Rural St Andrew, shared lens time at a Kingston fundraiser held recently for the two sisters. | CONTRIBUTED

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A comparative look at crowdfunding campaigns as seen on February 9, 2016

Comparative look

industry yielded US$34.4 billion, which surpassed venture

Duncan Sutherland will run for the People's National Party (PNP) against Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) veteran Rudyard Spencer for the South East Clarendon seat in the General Election on February 25.

Spencer, who is from

Westmoreland, retained his seat in the 2011 General Election after winning by an 86 vote margin to Dereck Lambert of the PNP. At last check Patricia for Parliament raised 26 per cent of the targeted US$10,000 with 11 days to go. Interestingly, Spencer and colleagues do not seem to have a crowdfunding campaign having reviewed popular platforms such as GoFundMe, Indiegogo, Kickstarter and JNBS’s iSupportJamaica. Could the small number of credit cards in circulation by local consumers or citizens have factored in the number of politicians using the online platform? There are even a smaller number of those who have a US bank account or use PayPal that is required for monetary contributions via the American fundraising sites. Of the local financial institutions, to date, only Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) has invested heavily in crowdfunding and offers an alternate payment solution suited to local users. They are expected to re-launch their funding

capital by US$4.4billion. When the global funding volume by model in 2014 is looked at growth is 112 per cent mainly in USA and in Asia (with China ranking highest). Will Jamaica catch-up or try to have a chunk of the pie? "The crowdfunding concept is not new to the island since it was used in 1913 to build the landmark Half-Way-Tree clock (see: Marley’s Jr. Gong album cover). The crowdfunding potential is even larger when one considers that churches use the format for building funds almost every Sunday,” Hayden humorously remarked. It is said that Jamaica has the most number of churches per square mile in the world and so speaks to the (informal) crowdfunding potential of the island. Then reflect on the successes of The Voice (Season 5) with Tessanne Chin (as far as mobilizing locals and the diaspora for votes and iTunes sales) and the Jamaican Women’s Football and Bobsled teams online campaigns, to name a few. Hayden added, “In the US, big data analysis has helped to fuel the success of crowdfunding. For example, there is a correlation between the numbers of times courier service

platform before summer.

is used versus creditworthiness.” Would it not be interesting to

Outlook for the future

number of times people travel and the likelihood of casting a vote?

apply locally and determine if there is a correlation between the

At the 2016 Jamaica Stock Exchange Conference in

In short, crowdfunding is very powerful and is a

January, a crowdfunding presentation by a JNBS executive,

creative area worth exploring especially by those with political,

Brando Hayden, revealed that the 2015 global crowdfunding

educational, sport or entrepreneurial missions. ❚

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 •

Starry Station, A new Wi-Fi hub provides a window into the health and performance of internet, Wi-Fi and connected devices New York, NY

tarry, Inc., a Boston and New York-based technology company focused on revolutionizing how consumers

“Now people can see speed, health, and usage and

connect to the inter net, unveiled on January 27 its first consumer

not be in the dark about connectivity issues. Our belief is if

product, Starry Station.

consumers have a better understanding of how their inter net

It is by the Project Decibel team, just in case you were

and Wi-Fi is performing, we can help improve performance and

wondering what they had been working on after Aereo’s U.S

make life a little easier. Starry Station is our answer to a market

Supreme Court loss. Armed with lessons and new funding,

that has long ignored design and usability.”

the team has designed Starry Station, the world’s first ambient

The company’s mission is to connect people and

touch screen Wi-Fi hub, beautifully designed to provide users

things, wirelessly, seamlessly and effortlessly with beautifully

with a window into their home’s internet health, Wi-Fi conditions

designed products and platforms. Starry Inc. is re-imagining

and device connectivity, all through an interactive 3.8” capacitive

broadband access by developing an eco-system of products

touch screen.

designed to simplify and improve your connected life.

Loaded with features including Starry’s internet

Founded by Chet Kanojia and the elite team of

HealthScore, full internet health monitoring system and built-

engineers (which includes Jamaican-born Daniel Bulli), Starry

in persistent auto-speed test, Activity Map and Device Finder,

is backed by a group of premiere investors including First Mark

Screen Time parental controls, and customer support assistance

Capital, Tiger Global, IAC, KKR, HLVP and Quantum Strategic

available at tap, Starry Station is built with a dual radio that is

Partners. It should be interesting to see what the uptake will be

802.15 ready for future Internet of Things (IoT) features and

in Boston and also as they expand into other states.

has the ability to support a wide range of connected devices

FORTRESS could see Starry Station doing well in the

in your home or business. With Starry Station, users have the

Caribbean region. It would help consumers to know when or

ability to understand, at a glance, how their inter net and Wi-Fi

if (regional/local) telecom players are under/over delivering on

connections are performing at all times.

what people have been paying for. The price, at first glance,

The product retails at US$349.99 and is available for

may seem to be daunting however when one considers that

sale on Starry’s website. Pre-orders are available on Amazon

the average Jamaican has one or two smart phones, valued at

Launchpad, Amazon’s innovative programme for startups. All

US$349.99 and above, and use them for Wi-Fi connection, then

orders will begin shipping in March 2016.

it is just a matter of how they perceive the product’s value. Also,

“For most people, access to the internet and Wi-Fi

whether Starry Station’s inter net health performance reports

is essential to the way they live and work,” said Alex Moulle-

could be used to request refunds from inter net providers and or

Berteaux, Starry’s chief marketing officer. “Yet the connection

submit claims to the Consumer’s Rights Commission.

to it is a hard-to-use utility box. We created Starry Station to completely re-imagine the user experience.

We wanted to

improve reliability and give people visibility into their inter net

and Wi-Fi, through our ambient touch screen display.”

• ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

The name alone, Starry, could easily fit in local culture. In your best Jamaican accent say, “Staar-ry!” Would you purchase it? ➜

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About Starry, Inc. At Starry, Inc., the future is wireless. Connecting

people

and

things

high-

speed, broadband internet should be simple, effortless and affordable. Starry is re-imagining broadband access by developing an ecosystem of products designed to simplify and improve your connected life. Based in Boston and New York City, Starry is backed by world-class investors and led by the former executives of Aereo, the groundbreaking online television platform. To learn more, visit Starry.com.

Photo: starry.com

technical specifications HARDWARE

Dual-band, concurrent 4x4:3 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Firadios Dual core network processor Dual core display processor

Total memory and storage: 1.5GB RAM, 8GB Flash 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports: 1-in, 1-out Speaker and mic Proximity sensor

oT Ready: dual radio 802.15 ready

COMPATIBILITY

Interoperable with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,802.11n, 802.11ac

Video streamers, desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and other Wi-Fi devices NAT, DHCP, PPPoE, and IPv4

SOFTWARE

Health Score: real-time measurement of WAN, LAN and device connectivity Built-in speed test to WAN, powered via speedtest.net by Ookla

Quick Start: cloud account based, Wi-Fi network provisioning set-up ScreenTime: parental controls

Station IQ: surfaces issues and suggests tips to fix Starry Support: Contact us online, with the app or

USER INTERFACES

3.8" capacitive touch screen with Ambient and Interactive mode Mobile application available via iTunes

(Android mobile application and Web UI coming soon)

SECURITY

WPA2

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Internet connection: Internet service into the home or business with 10/100/1000 Ethernet on ISP

Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall modem/gateway

Wi-Fi devices that support WPA2 AES

Mobile application: iOS version 8.0 or higher

ELECTRICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

AC in: 100-240V 50-60Hz § Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 degrees C (32 - 104 degrees F) Storage Temperature: -10 to 50 degrees C (14 - 122 degrees F)

Operating Humidity: Relative humidity: 20 - 80%, non- condensing ❚

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 •

House & Land By Nicholas Mayne

e had had enough! Trying to key open the gas tank lid

guards and electronic gates. People simply felt safer with a lot

after releasing it via the switch from inside the car was not

of other people in close proximity. Clearly, there wasn't much

Reuben's idea of a Monday morning well spent.

faith in the police force. For sentimental reasons, Reuben stubbornly wanted to build and sell traditional family homes like he remembered growing up in the good old days, despite the market realities. An emotional decision, this was fraught with problems from the start. First, local banks were not interested in financing the construction of single-family homes, as they saw apartment

Photo: Maciek Bielec

buildings as better and safer business.

It was the middle of winter in Minnesota and even

Second, Reuben had challenges acquiring land at a

though the lid was technically released, it was frozen shut and

reasonable price near city centres where most of the jobs were.

sealed as one with the car due to the ice that formed overnight.

Apartment developers, flush with cash and more than willing to

'My last winter in these parts for sure' Reuben mumbled as he

bid high, simply muscled Reuben out of any desirable space.

used the car key to chip away the ice around the lid.

There were some swampy land that was available on the cheap,

Reuben left Jamaica some 30-odd years ago and became moderately successful in the real estate industry, buying

but the added expense of reinforcing the foundation screwed up chances of making a profit.

old homes, restoring them to their former glory and selling at a

Third, skepticism regarding the market size of wealthy

tidy profit. With kids off to college and house empty with only

individuals able to purchase or finance a single-family home with

himself and wife Hyacinth, Reuben plotted a return home for

land made the venture very risky. And fourth, property taxes were

good.

a killer, and with a new government administration full of hungryThere was a sense of urgency in the matter as his health

belly politicians recently taking over power, there were rampant

deteriorated due to considerable weight gain. With business

rumours that a sizable increase was right around the corner.

improving over the years, Reuben delegated the manual labour

The numbers simply didn't add up, and it was a source

to younger blood. Not playing soccer during the winter months

of major frustration for Reuben. So much so, that he aborted his

didn't help, and eventually he gave up playing entirely.

business plans in Kingston and built a nice cottage for himself

On arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Reuben was appalled at the changed residential

in Portland, where he and his wife peacefully lived forever and ever. â?&#x161;

landscape. Living in a single family home with driveway and garden was a thing of the past. Developers gleefully knocked down these homes in favour of sky-high apartment buildings. They appealed to young professionals who didn't appreciate the finer things in life such as land for a beautiful garden. A wallpaper photo of bougainvillea on their tablet computer was as close to nature as millennials would get. Reuben reasoned that security was the main driving force though, for these apartment buildings had 24-hr private

â&#x20AC;˘ ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 | >>

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Photo: Claude Fletcher

Inspiration corner A collection of poems endorsed by Margaret Reckord Bernal

business & philanthropy

COMING SOON!

Gift

Rhum & Spirits Chronicles

Last Night the moon came, hesitant, my way, Stretching a timid finger to the gloom. But nothing bade her stay. There was no space for beauty in the room, Cluttered with the impatiences of day.

by Harry Andre & Mark Davis A Haitian-Jamaican Team

Yet, ere she left, she hung upon my way Pale light, and shapes of quiet leaves; Beauty aloof from all The fret of Time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that now nor irks nor grieves. How can such peace come from a gift so small?

- Barbara Stephanie Ormsby

A Finance column by Dr. Ann Marie Hibbert A Jamaican-born assistant professor of finance at University of West Virginia

#IrieWorkplace Ask how to participate. Limited opportunities.

for more info Contact us by email: caribbeanfortress@gmail.com or call: 564-8041

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| ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

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Luxury Wedding Services & Apparel Unique Bridal & Tux Website:

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Calendar of Events EVENT

DATE LOCATION

Champs of Steel Plus

FebRUARY 13 Trinidad & Tobago

T&T’s Wahoo Tournament

FebRUARY 20-21 Chaguaramas, T&T

Birthday of Bustamante (National Hero)

FebRUARY 24 Jamaica (island wide)

General Election

FebRUARY 25 Jamaica (island wide)

Jamaica Day

FebRUARY 26 At schools (island wide)

World Book Day

MarCH 3 Worldwide

Kingston Book Festival 2016

MarCH 5-12 Kingston, Jamaica

Venture Capital Conference

MarCH 7-9 Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

International Women’s Day (IWD)

MarCH 8 Worldwide

U.S. Daylight Saving Time

MarCH 13 +1hr for EST

Commonwealth Day

MarCH 14 Commonwealth countries

Tax Returns in Jamaica

MarCH 15 Jamaica (island wide)

World Consumer Rights Day

MarCH 15 Worldwide

Boys’ & Girls’ Champs

MarCH 15-19 The National Stadium

T&T’s Open Golf Tournament

MarCH 17-19 St. Andrews Course, T&T

World Water Day

MarCH 22 Worldwide

Good Friday

MarCH 25 Most places will be closed

Easter Sunday

MarCH 27 Most places will be closed

Easter Monday

MarCH 28 Most places will be closed

World Health Day

AprIL 7 Worldwide

T&T’s Marlin Madness

AprIL 5-9 Pigeon Point, T&T

EXPO Jamaica 2016

Apr. 14 -17

Photo: Neil Williams

National Arena, Jamaica

FORTRESS magazine is published by Caribbean Fortress Ltd.