Thursday, April 28, 2005
What the...?!?!
First let me say I have not been up-dated on the full details, but I have heard enough to get me pissed!
Now before I started to see the world in a different light (that is, when I was ignorant), I thought the government's best interest was the well-being of the people, public servant included, and not really them for themselves. I was so damn naive!
I heard recently that the PM carried before his other cronies a proposal for his pension plan. From the basiscs have heard, he wants
1) A driver
2) 2 secretaries
3) a housemaid
4) allowance
5) reg. "pay" in the form of the pension itself
1) He wants a driver for himself...no problem with that. What he needs to do is pay the person out of his own damn pocket! Don't use my money as a tax-payer to do that??!?!?
2) what the hell is he going to do with 2 secretaries when him retire!?! HELLO! and the worse part about it is that they aint gonna be paid chum change, and again this money is not going to come from his pocket...(details pending about final sum of money).
3)If you want a housemaid, like every one else, she should be paid for from your own pocket... and worse, if she supposed to be getting about twice the amount of money the normal housemaid gets!
4) I really dont know what this allowance is for...I have to try and find out more about it, but my understanding is the sum is roughly $800 000 (give or take a few).
5) A whopin' $4.5 mil!
I don't know about anyone else, but I have a big problem paying all this, never mind the fact that my contribution is not that great. I pay income tax (which is a fortune!), and GCT, etc. I dont think I should have my money going to overpay secretary, housemaid, or driver! And worse yet, to double pay the PM ...i mean, his pension alone is so much I dont see the reason to have him getting an allowance as well!
Now how do I see things going after this? The other parliamentarians are going to say soon, "Hey, what about me? I have been doing great service to my country and therefore I think my pension should be increased!" And of course, they will get their increase, screwing all the other public servants who NEED to increase their pension!
The summary of all this: the people who govern our beloved country are all self-seeking, self-righteous, arrogant... individuals (not really the word I want to use, but I will refrain).! They look out for themselves, and all their concern is how much money they can get by trying to appear as if they have our best interest at heart! Only proof needed is how they could afford to give themselves over 100% increase in salary and only give public servants a mere ~3% increase.
I hope that one day these people will wake up and realise that while they sit on their high, cushioned seats and get fat, they are destroying the country they claim to love. Our economy will suffer if all they want to do is get all the money for themselves.
What this country needs is a set of people who have a conscience to govern it, who will not want to set themselves up for their retirement while the country suffers, Christians! This is my prayer!
God bless!
Now before I started to see the world in a different light (that is, when I was ignorant), I thought the government's best interest was the well-being of the people, public servant included, and not really them for themselves. I was so damn naive!
I heard recently that the PM carried before his other cronies a proposal for his pension plan. From the basiscs have heard, he wants
1) A driver
2) 2 secretaries
3) a housemaid
4) allowance
5) reg. "pay" in the form of the pension itself
1) He wants a driver for himself...no problem with that. What he needs to do is pay the person out of his own damn pocket! Don't use my money as a tax-payer to do that??!?!?
2) what the hell is he going to do with 2 secretaries when him retire!?! HELLO! and the worse part about it is that they aint gonna be paid chum change, and again this money is not going to come from his pocket...(details pending about final sum of money).
3)If you want a housemaid, like every one else, she should be paid for from your own pocket... and worse, if she supposed to be getting about twice the amount of money the normal housemaid gets!
4) I really dont know what this allowance is for...I have to try and find out more about it, but my understanding is the sum is roughly $800 000 (give or take a few).
5) A whopin' $4.5 mil!
I don't know about anyone else, but I have a big problem paying all this, never mind the fact that my contribution is not that great. I pay income tax (which is a fortune!), and GCT, etc. I dont think I should have my money going to overpay secretary, housemaid, or driver! And worse yet, to double pay the PM ...i mean, his pension alone is so much I dont see the reason to have him getting an allowance as well!
Now how do I see things going after this? The other parliamentarians are going to say soon, "Hey, what about me? I have been doing great service to my country and therefore I think my pension should be increased!" And of course, they will get their increase, screwing all the other public servants who NEED to increase their pension!
The summary of all this: the people who govern our beloved country are all self-seeking, self-righteous, arrogant... individuals (not really the word I want to use, but I will refrain).! They look out for themselves, and all their concern is how much money they can get by trying to appear as if they have our best interest at heart! Only proof needed is how they could afford to give themselves over 100% increase in salary and only give public servants a mere ~3% increase.
I hope that one day these people will wake up and realise that while they sit on their high, cushioned seats and get fat, they are destroying the country they claim to love. Our economy will suffer if all they want to do is get all the money for themselves.
What this country needs is a set of people who have a conscience to govern it, who will not want to set themselves up for their retirement while the country suffers, Christians! This is my prayer!
God bless!
Friday, April 22, 2005
CCJ...grand waste!
Maybe I don’t really get the full concept of the CCJ, or maybe it is that I am misinformed. But from what I understand, our government has no damn sense, and has been using their power to abuse the people!
Now, first of all, the CCJ is supposed to be replacing the Privy council. Yes, there are limitations with the Privy council (like everything else)! I don’t have a problem with us trying to establish our independence as a region, but there are ways to do so. How can you have such an important decision to make and not consult the people who it will affect?!?! Yes, they did elect you to work on their behalf, but for Heaven’s sake, how can you not expect them to want to add their piece and understand what it is you plan to do with their future?!
First major problem with the CCJ: it is through the government. My understanding (and I say here that I may be wrong so don’t quote me) is that we can only appeal to the CCJ through the government. In other words, unlike with the Privy Council, an individual cannot appeal directly to the CCJ, but through the government instead. Now I need someone to explain to me how that can NOT be political…how can that be free from political influence?!
Second issue: it’s expensive. Fine, I can work with the idea that if we plan to establish the CSME we need our own system. But then why are we (Jamaica) spending so much money NOW when all we can do at the court is resolve trade disputes!? TRADE alone!! I cannot see how we are ok with spending US$27 million to resolve trade alone. The only way to get other cases (criminal, etc) heard at the CCJ is to have our constitution amended. The only way that can happen is if there is a referendum (which is quite expensive). Who is to say that the referendum will go in favour of the CCJ? Who is to say the CCJ will replace completely the Privy council in the future? So, what that sums up to is that we end up spending J$150 milion per year (to repay the US$27 mil loan for our contribution to the CCJ) for something we are not guaranteed will happen. HELLO!??! Bells not going off in these people’s head to tell them what they doing don’t make sense!?!?? All they doing is wasting money, and buoy, they doing it so well!
I guess God knows what will happen in the future. All we as citizens of this beautiful country can do is hope that government hasn’t screwed us too much for us to pay dearly in the near or distant future…
God bless!
Now, first of all, the CCJ is supposed to be replacing the Privy council. Yes, there are limitations with the Privy council (like everything else)! I don’t have a problem with us trying to establish our independence as a region, but there are ways to do so. How can you have such an important decision to make and not consult the people who it will affect?!?! Yes, they did elect you to work on their behalf, but for Heaven’s sake, how can you not expect them to want to add their piece and understand what it is you plan to do with their future?!
First major problem with the CCJ: it is through the government. My understanding (and I say here that I may be wrong so don’t quote me) is that we can only appeal to the CCJ through the government. In other words, unlike with the Privy Council, an individual cannot appeal directly to the CCJ, but through the government instead. Now I need someone to explain to me how that can NOT be political…how can that be free from political influence?!
Second issue: it’s expensive. Fine, I can work with the idea that if we plan to establish the CSME we need our own system. But then why are we (Jamaica) spending so much money NOW when all we can do at the court is resolve trade disputes!? TRADE alone!! I cannot see how we are ok with spending US$27 million to resolve trade alone. The only way to get other cases (criminal, etc) heard at the CCJ is to have our constitution amended. The only way that can happen is if there is a referendum (which is quite expensive). Who is to say that the referendum will go in favour of the CCJ? Who is to say the CCJ will replace completely the Privy council in the future? So, what that sums up to is that we end up spending J$150 milion per year (to repay the US$27 mil loan for our contribution to the CCJ) for something we are not guaranteed will happen. HELLO!??! Bells not going off in these people’s head to tell them what they doing don’t make sense!?!?? All they doing is wasting money, and buoy, they doing it so well!
I guess God knows what will happen in the future. All we as citizens of this beautiful country can do is hope that government hasn’t screwed us too much for us to pay dearly in the near or distant future…
God bless!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Death and the Living
Hey all:
Lately I seem to think too much about things. My great-grandfather's death in January forced me to think about death and the effect on those they leave behind.
Now I understand death is a part of life. But it seems to me death has taken on a new meaning over the last few years. My initial understanding was that when a person dies, their family grieves, and friends provide their support to help through the difficult period. Now, however, it seems that some "friends" only add to the stress!!!
The night before the funeral in my opinion (though foolish it may seem) is for the family to relax physically and mentally as the following day may be extremely stressful and heart-wrenching. But that isn't the case! Everybody turns up not for giving support, but to get dem belly full! So ok, they come the night before when you should be resting to stress you out...but leave it at dat nuh! Why you going to do the same rubbish the day of the funeral!?!?!?
Things and times heard, esp in Jamaica. Funerals are extremely expensive without having to find food to feed the whole bloody community. How I see things, the community is supposed to pull together and help the family...if they want food (like the curry goat and all the other things they expect) then they should find it themselves. They should not expect it, as if it is written in stone and declared by God that "The family of the deceased shall hearby feed all those who present themselves". I realise (first hand) that that is the attitute of many people and it is sickening!!
If I could have my own way when I die, I would like sandwitches to be prepared.... If they can afford it, then, fine, have a big feast. But if it will put stress and strain on the family to find the necessary funeral things PLUS food, then forget it! Mix red drinks and do cheese sandwitches! Who nuh like, TUFF!
God bless!
Lately I seem to think too much about things. My great-grandfather's death in January forced me to think about death and the effect on those they leave behind.
Now I understand death is a part of life. But it seems to me death has taken on a new meaning over the last few years. My initial understanding was that when a person dies, their family grieves, and friends provide their support to help through the difficult period. Now, however, it seems that some "friends" only add to the stress!!!
The night before the funeral in my opinion (though foolish it may seem) is for the family to relax physically and mentally as the following day may be extremely stressful and heart-wrenching. But that isn't the case! Everybody turns up not for giving support, but to get dem belly full! So ok, they come the night before when you should be resting to stress you out...but leave it at dat nuh! Why you going to do the same rubbish the day of the funeral!?!?!?
Things and times heard, esp in Jamaica. Funerals are extremely expensive without having to find food to feed the whole bloody community. How I see things, the community is supposed to pull together and help the family...if they want food (like the curry goat and all the other things they expect) then they should find it themselves. They should not expect it, as if it is written in stone and declared by God that "The family of the deceased shall hearby feed all those who present themselves". I realise (first hand) that that is the attitute of many people and it is sickening!!
If I could have my own way when I die, I would like sandwitches to be prepared.... If they can afford it, then, fine, have a big feast. But if it will put stress and strain on the family to find the necessary funeral things PLUS food, then forget it! Mix red drinks and do cheese sandwitches! Who nuh like, TUFF!
God bless!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Road rage
By this titile one would assume I am a licensed driver ...yah right?!? I am currently a learner, but I have been a passenger all my life and see the madness that goes on on the roads.
Now I dont know why Jamaicans have the mentality they have: the road is all about me and screw everyone else who tries to change that or get in my way. Mind you, there are many decent people on the road, but it seems to be too large a number who do not fall into that category. I, for the life of me, cannot understand how people overtake around corners, or why people overtake a line of traffic because of impatience, or blow your horn like a jackass and expect that it will make the road clear to go! C'mon, what can be so important that you can't wait for the traffic to move on it's own!? Why is it so important to risk your life and the life of others just for the sake of getting where u going without waiting too long?!
Seriously though, what is the purpose of indicators? I mean, I always thought that it served a purpose: to let people know when you plan to turn (which sounds simple enough. But I get the feeling many people are not aware of this blinking yellow light (or red, whatever the colour may be). One would think that if another is going to suddenly swerve infront of you they would at least be kind enough to let you know, right? Or one would think at intersections it would help to know when someone plans to turn or not, right? WRONG! That is, apprently, too much to ask!
Now let us examine the battle of the red plates. The taxi drivers usually drive smaller vehicles, and so is better able to manuever between smaller spaces. The minibus drivers however, will try to use these smaller spaces though the physics of it all doesn't make sense (to the person with common sense). Taxis are only limited to 3-5 people, while mini buses can carry about 3-5 times that amount. Therefore, it would stand to reason that the mini buses would be driven with a bit more care considering there is a lot more at stake (Note: I am in NO way implying lives are insignificant). And bus drivers are to stick to a particular route JUSt in case someone needs to come off the bus. But alas! Sometimes what pains me the most is the fact that the police are never around to see these acts.
There is so much more that can be said, but for now I will leave it at this.
God bless!
Now I dont know why Jamaicans have the mentality they have: the road is all about me and screw everyone else who tries to change that or get in my way. Mind you, there are many decent people on the road, but it seems to be too large a number who do not fall into that category. I, for the life of me, cannot understand how people overtake around corners, or why people overtake a line of traffic because of impatience, or blow your horn like a jackass and expect that it will make the road clear to go! C'mon, what can be so important that you can't wait for the traffic to move on it's own!? Why is it so important to risk your life and the life of others just for the sake of getting where u going without waiting too long?!
Seriously though, what is the purpose of indicators? I mean, I always thought that it served a purpose: to let people know when you plan to turn (which sounds simple enough. But I get the feeling many people are not aware of this blinking yellow light (or red, whatever the colour may be). One would think that if another is going to suddenly swerve infront of you they would at least be kind enough to let you know, right? Or one would think at intersections it would help to know when someone plans to turn or not, right? WRONG! That is, apprently, too much to ask!
Now let us examine the battle of the red plates. The taxi drivers usually drive smaller vehicles, and so is better able to manuever between smaller spaces. The minibus drivers however, will try to use these smaller spaces though the physics of it all doesn't make sense (to the person with common sense). Taxis are only limited to 3-5 people, while mini buses can carry about 3-5 times that amount. Therefore, it would stand to reason that the mini buses would be driven with a bit more care considering there is a lot more at stake (Note: I am in NO way implying lives are insignificant). And bus drivers are to stick to a particular route JUSt in case someone needs to come off the bus. But alas! Sometimes what pains me the most is the fact that the police are never around to see these acts.
There is so much more that can be said, but for now I will leave it at this.
God bless!
