Jamaican Cherry Juice

All dressed up for church.

 Hi there everyone,

My name is Cherry Brown. I am Ann’s baby sister who is helping her to write the story about “Jamaican Cherry Juice.” It is a child’s story yet it is filled with lots of adult content and “indecent” language.

I was brought up in rural Jamaica by hard working and loving parents but was exposed to sexual abuse; alcohol and drug abuse; and violence in my community from an early age. I also heard the cries of many children as they were beaten by their parents.  

Over time, I have learned how to transform negative energy, think positively, dream, and enjoy the sweet scents just before dawn.    

I hate to see children suffer and fail to realise their full potential. That is why I am here to tell you the story of “Jamaican Cherry Juice” and provide you with information on my blog so that you can make better choices.

I hope that when the book is published, good women will read it and then help me to nourish the men of Jamaica because we need them now more than ever.       

Blessings,

Cherry Brown.

PS: The story of “Jamaican Cherry Juice” is password protected and will remain that way until the Universe tells me otherwise. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns; remember you may do so by sending me a comment right here on my blog.     

 

Annual Report 2009

Paul is my twenty-six year old Facebook friend from Kenya. We have never met. Recently Paul told me on “chat” that he gets inspirations from “Seeds of Insight” and that he was moved to share Antonio’s story with his friends in Kenya. Paul is one out of many persons who have sent me e-mails/e-messages to let me know that they have been inspired with Antonio’s story.

At least 50 persons have been engaged around the world; Jamaica, United States, Canada, Great Britain, Cambodia, Philippines, Russia, Venezuela, Cayman, Kenya.  

 

Achievements

Stats

As of December 13th, 2009, I have eighty eight (88) posts with over two thousand, nine hundred and eighty eight (2,988) views, and at least one hundred and (160) comments from my viewers. November was the busiest month with 828 views. 

Seeds of Insight: Views per Month

The Top 3 Posts to date are:

Ann Marie E. Campbell (my bio).

“Gone With the Wind:” A Special Teacher From Rusea’s. 

“Spanking and beating: spare the rod and save the child”

 

Books

“Saving Your Teenager”

“Saving your Teenager: Develop an Implementation Plan” was first published as a concept on WordPress May 15, 2009.  It focused on implementation plans and contracts for the parents/guardians of late teens.  I am now finished with the second draft of the book after making the changes based on feedback from my reviewers. I am still waiting to get feedback from the Chief on the conceptual diagram…if I am not able to get this within the next few months, I might just go ahead and start the proofreading. I know that these tools are needed.    

“Seeds of Insight”

The third draft of my second book “Seeds of Insight: Strong Memories of My Favourite Men” was completed by the end of October and is now being edited by Bethany. Thanks to Jennifer, Althea and Tazh for their review. I want to thank the Reverend Earl Thames for his comments on the entire book and not just his chapter. My goal is to get it to the publisher by the end of the year.  

Antonio’s Story: Child Poverty and Disparities: what good is a campaign without compassion?

Antonio’s story is already written on-line. I followed his case for 51 days (up to December 11th, 2009) and made regular entries on my blog. Anthony’s story with co-star Tamian Beckford generated the most interest among my readers and pushed the number of views up to 828 in November. His story has inspired many persons to act positively on behalf of others (Kerrel) and has motivated others (Allison and Novia) to show direct support.  Even the leadership at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture was compelled to act when his “story” was eventually told in the media. Antonio’s story deserves a place in our libraries and some of my readers are asking for the book, so if it is the will of the Universe, the book will be published.    

 

Acknowledgements

From a Blog to a “Business.” 

Special thanks to Jennifer, Bethany, Tazh, Jaevion and Caryl for sharing in my vision to spread and nourish “Seeds of Insight.” 

Mrs. Prospect you should know that you are the one who “kicked” me to go and reserve the name at the Companies Office. If it were not for you, I would not have met Andrea. There are many prospects ahead for you as long as you “move closer to being a better and more humane person.” You are a success story waiting to be told!      

I must acknowledge all those who have given me Inspirations. It is because of those inspirations that I can inspire others like Paul in Kenya. It is indeed because of Dr. Campbell-Forrester’s vision for adolescent health and her quiet passion why I was motivated to read extensively on adolescent health. As the Chief Medical Officer for Health in Jamaica, she is more than “sympathetic” to adolescent needs; she is a visionary who is now “drinking from her saucer.” 

I must thank my husband, my two sons and Jaevion; they motivated me in different ways to start this blog. 

Then there are the four women – Jennifer, Tazh, Althea and Bethany who gave their time and talents unselfishly to review my books and asked me those forbidden questions. When the history of “Seeds of Insight” is written, the world should know that Jennifer was my psychotherapist, Tazh was the first person outside of Cascade to call me “Mar,” Althea thought “it was inevitable,” and Bethany was the editor. 

Moses felt that my real stories on health issues and the lessons learned from my blogging experience should be told at EduVision 2009 International Conference. I truly respect him for giving me access into the traditional halls of education. Now I know that “Seeds of Insight” is a legitimate child of Jamaica. Respect to Moses Everytime!

Ian strategically recruited me into the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) when he invited me to attend the “Jamaica Drug Policy Conference” held in early November at the University of the West Indies (a conference sponsored by “Caribbean Harm Reduction Coalition” and “Caribbean Drug & Alcohol Research Institute”). That was the first time I introduced myself as “Ann Marie E. Campbell sowing ‘Seeds of Insight.’” Ian knew that I was an activist and I could not deny it in the meeting.  

For those who have started a blog (Jaevion and Norwell), I hope you are enjoying the experience. If I have inspired you (Mia and Bridget) to start a blog, I hope you do so before the New Year starts. 

Michele, we are now connected through Antonio and your “New Generation” Rotary Club. I will accept your invitation and come to your meetings when I can.

Andrea, I will be calling you next week because I am excited about the Prospects.  

Last but certainly not least, thanks to Patricia Muller, the designer of the “Connections” theme and much appreciation to WordPress for providing me with the affordable new technology to make this happen. I hope to meet you all one day!   

 

Full Moon, Pegasus and Prospects

I have been enjoying the sweet scents even more so after the wise old man brought my attention to the Full Moon in August. I am patiently waiting on his arrival every month.

Moon in the Morning

The Pegasus now has meaning; not just for me but for many of you out there. HALLELUJAH! 

There is a job prospect on the horizon with the ICI/OAS (IIN/OEA)…thanks to  Antonio, the CDA and my passions.  

 

 Challenges

I wish I could blog on a full time basis but I cannot (at least not for now)…blogging requires a lot of energy!

Thy Will Be Done! I was reminded at 12:30 am on December 12th that the energy supply will always be there…the breezes were there again in my room…so beautiful, supplying me with sweet scents. So I will continue to blog!     

 

Plans for 2010:

- Balance my blog into my work…continue spreading the seeds and nourishing them

- Take advice from Andrea re: the idea

- Get at least two of my books published 

- Write a 100,000 word book about the “Jamaican Cherry Juice.” Jennifer and Bethany told me about the nourishment of the seeds and Ian, Audrey and Ivan have already given me some ideas to get the “juices” flowing. It will be a book on “How to Arouse Your Sweet Scents Just Before Dawn;” a book for women on how to nourish the seeds.”

Blessings to you all! Have a wonderful holiday season and may your positive thoughts and energies guide you to find your Purpose in 2010.

 

Antonio Thompson: Day 20 in State Care

Well Ann you certainly shook things up yesterday evening! It was delightful having you and I’m sure you provoked many a thought, even a profound one or two
Have a wonderful day, talk soon. 

p.s. Where’s your blog for today?

Allison is one of those persons who look forward to my daily blog posts. So here I am writing…I will not disappoint her today.   

 

Conversation with the “New Generation” Rotarians

I had the privilege of speaking to a group of about twenty relatively young Rotarians last night at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston. I was invited by Michele (see blog post for November 24th, 2009) to share my blogging experiences and to focus specifically on the topic of “transforming negative male energy into positive energy.” 

I arrived at about 6:35 pm, entered through the old wooden door and noticed a group of young men and women who appeared to be professionals. The meeting was in full swing already so I quickly took my assigned chair. Allison was present but I did not see Michele.

I sat patiently, listened to the young leaders and made a few observations; they were all neatly dressed and seemed to be comfortable in their chairs. Never before had I seen so many ”Blackberries” in one room. I knew then and there that I was in the company of a “New Generation” of Rotarians and I knew that I was in the right place sitting in front of the banner with “The Four Way Test.”

I listened as they joked with each other and one female called a male a “wuss.”

Yup! 

I had my introduction for the conversation that was about to start in about ten minutes.

Michele introduced me in the most professional way. She had pulled information from my bio on-line and even copied my photograph onto the agenda. Then she said, Ann Marie is a “blogger.”

One guy laughed as if he thought the whole idea of being a “blogger” was ridiculous. I noted his gesture and wondered if he was one of those disguised bloggers in Jamaica. 

Michele then explained to the group that when she met me she was curious about my occupation and asked herself what I was doing as an “unemployed” woman with those credentials. However, her fascination with my blogging experiences apparently overpowered her curiosity, hence my presence in the room last night.

The Conversation

“Are men really so bad, that we call them ‘wusses,’ ‘no-good,’ ‘John Crows?’” I asked the group of young intellectuals. Who was a “wuss” anyway?

The question stirred the group and the “guilty” females confessed and tried to explain that the word “wuss” was used in a particular context.

I then explained to my audience that I started to blog seven months ago because I “got sick and tired of hearing complaints about men.” I told them that I decided to do something three days before my last birthday. I carefully walked them through the steps I took during the first week of May. 

At the time, I asked myself the following questions:

What can I do to reach men and the women who impact them?

Why was Jaevion so excited about Information Technology?

How could I reach men with something that excites them…with IT?

How could I transform the negative energies emanating from my first son and husband (both of whom I love) into positive male energies?

How could I connect with people with similar experiences and channel positive energy?

I then allowed the group to share in one of my open secrets…I lowered my voice and said, “I get up early in the mornings about 3:30 am to 4:00 am and tap into the positive energies.”

“How do you know that it is there?” A young man asked doubtfully.

“Because of the sweet scents I smell just before dawn…they are real and I get them from males – my husband, my boys, even men like you.”

I decided to channel the energies to improve the lives of adolescents; males in particular.

Do I have to tell you about the problems we are having in Jamaica?

It is mostly men who are killing off each other…

Do I have to say anything tonight about the situation with male performance in the area of academics?

And what about the way we relate to our men?

The group was now fully engaged with the conversation and they wanted to learn more about my experiences just before dawn. So, I gave them a quick one-minute guided imagery to the place of my sweet scents. The energy in the room was powerful…at least half of them were excited. One man (Mr. Martial Arts) who sat in the rear of the room expressed that he knew exactly what I was feeling. And of course I believed him.     

He felt that some men marginalized themselves.

I appreciated his point of view but asked him (and the entire room) if someone like Antonio, at fifteen years old could be held responsible for self-marginalization.

There was no response.

After an hour or so the conversation was over but most of the group members remained in the room. Mr. Arts came over into my personal space and kissed my hand in respect. He had not only smelled the scents but he had already tasted the flavours of positive energy. My scents were aroused by my thoughts transferred onto pen and paper; His scents were aroused in ways only he knew.

We smiled.

After the meeting a smaller group of about ten “New Generation” Rotarians went over to “The Deck.” Bridget was inspired to start a blog and she told me about her coach. The Twins were radiating positive male energies and we felt it. 

It was my first time going into the ”bar.” 

As I listened to the music of “Kung Fu Fighting” playing I reflected on the young Rotarians having a ball. There were at least ten of them there enjoying life.

“They loved it!” I said to Michele with satisfaction.

She smiled.

Validation (not his real name) came over again and asked me if I was sure that I did not want to have a drink (containing alcohol). 

“No, I cannot handle alcohol though I love the smell of fresh rum…”

“So, you never drink?”

“Only when I am home…I will have a little champagne or some Bailey’s with soy milk to chase.”  

I called my husband from the parking lot at “The Deck” to tell him that I was ok…I did not want him to worry too much. 

When I walked into the bedroom, he was waiting up for me.

“You have been in the car for forty-five minutes.” He exaggerated. 

“No, only about fifteen minutes…I had to sit for a while and reflect on my experiences tonight. I left “The Deck” at 10: 15…got home at 10: 25…It is now 10: 45…”

“You are glowing…you look so happy.”

My husband was right. I was enjoying every bit of it. The seeds were bouncing around with energy from the recent shower of rain. He felt it too and so did I.  

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Please note: This will be my second-to-last blog post for 2009. My last post will be the annual/status report for “Seeds of Insight.”

If it is the will of the Universe, I will continue with my blog posts next year when I will focus on the nourishment of the seeds…I have decided to take up the challenge put before me by Bethany and Jennifer…with their motivation and support I will write the story of the “Jamaican Cherry Juice.”

Blessings to you all!

 

Antonio Thompson: Day 19 in State Care

Antonio called last evening (Tuesday) at 5:42 pm while I was ordering my sandwich at the Liguanea Subway. He started to tell me thanks for the $100.00 phone credit I sent him on Monday and he wanted me to know that he was standing in close proximity to Mr. Calmright. I interrupted him just before he paused and told him that I would call to save him some money.

He was in good spirits especially when he told me that he spoke to Tamian again.

I called his cell phone about 6:00 pm and we continued the conversation about his progress at St. Joseph’s. He mentioned that he was doing well but asked when he would be leaving.

He wanted to know if I spoke to Mr. Calmright since my visit to St. Josephs. I told him that I called Mr. Calmright on a number of occasions but there was an obvious problem with the phone.

“Maybe one of the numbers was wrong…” I really was not sure.

“Mi have him number. You want it?” Antonio was ready to give me Mr. Calmright’s correct cell phone number.

“Yes man, sure!”

As he started to call out the numbers I had to ask my son to enter them into my phone. You see, I did not have a pen in my purse or in my car and I could not enter the numbers on the phone while I was talking.

“Son, could you put in the numbers for me?”

“When are you people going to learn how to use your cell phones?”

“Just do it for me man.” I pleaded with my cell phone wiz kid and computer savvy fourteen year old.

I watched and listened as my son communicated with Antonio on my Digicel/Samsung phone. They were approximately the same age but living in very different environments and under very different circumstances. I felt when my heart lifted from its base and I treasured the moment. 

“Good night Mr. Calmright. This is Miss Campbell, one of the ladies who have been visiting Antonio. How is he doing?”

“Hi Miss Campbell.” I could feel his firm steady energy.

“He is adjusting better than expected…we want to give him some stability before he goes into the Possibility Programme…plus some opportunity for grooming.”

“Oh that’s good news.”

“Yes. He is adjusting well. He is very private you know…”

Mr. Calmright continued to tell me about Antonio’s progress and even shared some details that were appropriate only for a mother to hear.

I felt honoured.  

“The Possibility Programme is coming through…Mr. Veteran (not his real name) went there (to the Possibility Programme) today…”

“Yes Mr. Calmright, some changes are being made there…even Minister Grange was involved…That boy is a blessing you know. He is blessing a lot of people in his young life…Ok then Mr. Calmright. I will let you know when I will come to St. Joseph’s again.

Andrea’s Office

Photo Source: http://www.jamesetaylor.com/interior_law_firm1.jpg

Earlier in the day I went to New Kingston to see Andrea in her office. She was the lawyer I met in the Companies Office on November 27th when I was conducting the name search and reservation for “Seeds of Insight.” As soon as I pulled in the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) parking lot, a young man met me by my car window and asked if I wanted my car washed.

Even though there were water restrictions in the city, I said yes because the car was very filthy on the inside and outside.  

This time I reacted differently to the young man who was probably a drug addict…I was more patient and much more attentive to him (thanks to the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities and Tamian).

“How much is it?”

“$300.00.”

“Ok then.”

I walked in the offices of Opportunity Knocks Huge, Attorneys at Law (not the real names of the attorneys) and was greeted by the receptionist.

“Good afternoon, I am here to see Andrea. She is expecting me.”

“Just a moment, you may have a seat.”

As I was about to sit on the fine burgundy-brown leather sofa, I saw Andrea whisked by in the hallway. She recognized me almost two weeks later.

“Come on in…”

I followed Andrea knowing that she was an angel. 

“Would you like some coffee?”

“No thanks…”

“Anything to drink?”

“Yes, I will have some water, thank you.”

Andrea instructed the middle class female attendant to fetch the water.

I admired the view of New Kingston from the legal glass windows and was impressed by the stature of the corporate giants lining the streets of Knutsford Boulevard.

I waited for Andrea knowing that the meeting was going to be productive…last night I had planned my entire presentation. I was ready.

Andrea took her seat at the head of the table and I sat to her right.

We smiled together.

“Well the first thing I want to know is whether I am on the clock…” I was curious about the consultancy fees of the 7th Floor legal giants. 

“No.” She then explained that her company did not charge by the hour.

She was more interested in hearing about my ideas.

Andrea sat and listened as I spoke from my gut and outlined my specific plans for a little over an hour. 

I was very honest with her…I felt comfortable telling her about my vision for Jamaica and she appreciated every word.

At the end of the conversation she gave me her recommendations and I accepted them.

“So, Ann Marie you are talking about a …… company.”

Andrea asked me a few more questions and I knew that my “dream” was taking on a new dimension.

I knew that my whole life had been transformed since I started this blog…the connections had been so easy…it was as if all my angels were waiting their turn to step into the scenes. I told her about Jennifer and Bethany; Tamian and Antonio; WordPress and Facebook; Mrs. Prospect, the international audience and the fifty or so persons I had engaged…and she listened.

For the first time I told someone about my vision and my specific plans…I did not hold back anything and she seemed to love it because she gave me some free legal advice and reassurance about liability. She then asked me to call her next week for an update.

“Do not register your company just yet she said…it’s good that you have reserved the name with the Companies Office though.”

We walked through the conference room door as she told me about her infant daughter…she was a blessing and I could see that Andrea was happy in Jamaica.

I was bursting with excitement when I left the office. I had to call someone…I called Jennifer, then my husband and then Mrs. Prospect after I stopped by the Companies Office again to reserve “Senses at Dawn” and sowed another seed.

I now have about two and a half months to review and reflect. Andrea will be doing her part and so will Bethany. Jennifer is still “Interested” after seven months…she is still motivating me. Caryl is there too…so is Jae and Tazh plus all of my many other supporters.

I asked Mrs. Prospect to pray hard ’cause something major was about to happen. Just yesterday I saw Jillian (not her real name), the “rags-to-riches” Jamaican super model in the lobby at Pegasus…she did not remember me but that was ok.

Mrs. Prospect and I called on the Universe for more positive energies and our minds for positive thoughts.

As I drove out of New Kingston in to the 5: 00 o’ clock traffic, I saw the Gleaner man (one who sells his newspapers across the street from the PCJ) through a different lens.

“Gleaner?”

“No, not today.”

“Boy nobady want paper today…”

He held up his dirty left hand and his blackened thumb that had been selling Gleaner (newspapers) all day. He wanted me to rub his thumb with mine. And I responded favourably.

We rubbed our left thumbs together and he kissed my hand.

He laughed and said, “I hope I don’t get in trouble with your husband.”

I laughed and gave thanks. While I have had my hands kissed by many dignified men, I would have never allowed a common street vendor on duty to kiss my hand before Tamian brought Antonio into my life.

 

Antonio Thompson: Days 16 – 18 in State Care

Antonio called me on Sunday. He wanted to know how I was doing and asked if I could send him some phone credit. He had no updates on his case.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence

Somehow it seemed as if the entire Youth Awards was dedicated to Antonio and all the other underserved youth of Jamaica.

The Prime Minister was penitent as he reached out to Jamaica’s youth. He said: “50 % of Jamaica’s population is under thirty years old…They are the centre of our concerns…so much rest on them…We have produced a very rough wicket for them…and have not provided that environment…”

The Prime Minister used strong repentant themes:

“We must apologize to our young people…for our bad examples…

We have let you down…

We have not done right by you…

Despite that we have not done what we should have done…you must not wallow in self pity…”

He stressed the importance of hard work to achieve success. “Do not give up!”

“Young people can teach some of the errant parents…”

For a moment I thought the Prime Minister was going to cry and I wondered if he was playing politics. But who cared if he was in fact campaigning?

Campaign or no campaign, young people must hold the Prime Minister accountable to his words last night:

“Demand from us the space that you need…the future belongs to you far more than it belongs to us.”

The awards ceremony started at about 7:00 pm and was done by 8:00 pm.

There were many entertainers on stage last night but the ones that rallied the crowd were G Whizz with “Life So Sort Out,”

Chino, “From Morning” with his dad Freddy McGregor behind him and 

I Octane … “Mama You Alone”

The male artistes were the crowd pleasers. I must say that I was impressed with the package except for the common theme which was about admiration for “mama.” Once again I was disappointed that mama took centre stage.

It is time for Uncle Bruce to place some more emphasis on the men of Jamaica.

Last night the men and the fathers on stage did well. I even noticed a familiar face; a Gleaner vendor who frequents the intersection of Mountain View/Old Hope Road was on stage waving his newspaper with Junior Reid, sending the message of “One Blood.”   

All good but not good enough!

Uncle Bruce must lead the charge for male empowerment in this country. If not Uncle Bruce, then who?

The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence was held last night in fine style. For the duration of the show I sat in the audience beside an unassuming young man. Before the show was over he begged me for a bus fare and handed me a hand written photo copied letter which read:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am seeking employment in the areas of: – (1) Apprentice Cook, (2) Kitchen Staff, (3) Data Entry Clerk, or any suitable position on a part time, full time, or a holiday job system.  I am honest, hardworking and polite, furthermore, I am always eager to learn.

I have been seeking work for quite sometime, and I look forward to being a sure and reliable worker of any productive & uplifting company.

Please help with a job, even if it’s casual work for 2 or 3 days per week, I still would give thanks, and put out my best!

I will be available for an interview at any time convenient to you. Love and Thanks!

Yours Truly

Embracing Support (not his real name)

777-7777 (not his real cell phone number)   

The show was barely over before I was back to reality!!!

Based on what I saw last night at the Youth Awards, I believe Miss Babsy and Uncle Bruce are ready for action…I know Jamaican youth know what their priorities are…they listed them in the last youth parliament.

Who have ears to hear, let him hear.

 

 

Antonio Thompson: Day 15 in State Care

I met my old-time colleague and fellow development practitioner in the parking lot at Sovereign Centre on Friday evening.

“What’s up Ann Marie?”

“Hi there Reality (not her real name). How are you doing girl?”

We knew we had to talk about Antonio.

“Anything new?” She asked.

“No, the last time I heard from him was on Thursday and I mentioned that in my last blog post.”

We stood in the evening sun on the concrete steps in front of Monarch Pharmacy talking about Antonio. It was hotter than I expected at 4:00 pm. We had lots to talk about but we both knew we had to cut the conversation short because the ice in my cherry juice was melting and my son was waiting to be picked up. 

6,000 Street Children

We reflected on the 6,000 street children (mostly boys) and their stories. Why were they on the streets? Was it because of financial need? We heard that Antonio’s mom said she could not manage with three other children. Is that really the reason why he was on the streets? The story was missing a few lines. 

I asked Reality to move out of the hot evening sun into the shade alongside the steps.

Competition for the Female

“Girl, sometimes these boys end up on the street for some reasons that have nothing to do with poverty, sexual abuse or bad behaviour. Sometimes it is much deeper than that. These boys love their mothers but because of their stepfathers they have to move out in order to ‘keep the peace.’ These teenage boys and their stepfathers just cannot live under the same roof and love the same woman. It is like a war; a serious competition for the female…It takes lots of prayers, tears, counselling, family and sometimes community support before healing can take place…most of all the woman has to be strong and know how to show respect for her men.”

Key Stakeholders

We spoke about the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) and did a brief analysis of the organization right there on the steps in front of the Monarch Pharmacy. We knew that there were challenges, new and old; and we knew that there were Agencies who wanted to work with the Youth Empowerment Officers to see a greater impact.

“And the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA)…which Ministry do they fall under?”

“Ministry of Justice, I believe.”

“By the way did you see the article in the Observer about OCA’s report on the abuse of children by some principals and teachers?” http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Children-at-risk-dec-3-2009

“Well it is about time these things get reported…”

These government organizations cannot work alone. As a matter of fact they are limited in terms of what they can do. Some of these officers do not have anyone to ”covers their backs” so they have to tread carefully. That is one of the reasons why they need to work closer with NGOs such as Children First, People’s Action for Community Transformation (PACT), and the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN). With a little more capacity building and financial support together, they can achieve more.

Getting ahead in Jamaica

“Girl, just the other day I heard a story from a doctor about a patient who said that she was suffering because she only has one baby father…seems like the more baby fathers some of these women have the more money they get for child support…”

“…same thing with the bleaching my dear….they know that they get ahead when they bleach…”

We both agreed that we had to do some reality checks and revisit our strategies as we work with the obviously-vulnerable and not-so-obviously-vulnerable populations in Jamaica. 

Antonio’s Blessing

I told Reality that I would be back to work soon. “…how this all happened is so amazing. It is all because of Antonio…that boy is a blessing to so many of us. It is really because of him why I got this job…”

I met him at the Pegasus and heard his story…decided to assist Tamian with the intervention and then the CDA lady recommended my name to some international organization…that’s how all this came about…” Do you think he realizes how blessed he is?”

“Oh I hope so. He is not only blessed himself but he is a blessing for others like me.”

 ”We will have to work together Ann Marie…Let me know when you start OK?”

 ”Sure.”

Jamaican Cherry Juice

On our way home, I stepped on the brakes suddenly and my son’s cherry juice turned over and spilled on the mat below the front passenger seat. I knew it was going to happen because the paper cup holders were not secure. “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” I decided that the wasted cup of cherry juice was not going to take away the joy I was sharing with my son. The car was due for a wash anyway. Nothing was going to steal my joy yesterday. I waited patiently as my son removed the garbage form the car and then I pulled out the soaked mat.  As I sprayed it with the water from the garden hose, I remembered Ritchie… who also called on Thursday….Thank God for him.  

The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence

I noticed that the Prime Ministers Youth Award for Excellence was advertised again this evening on the television. They are in fact focusing on the family showing support. Now that’s an excellent theme. It looks like it is going to be a grand affair on Sunday. I plan to attend.

 

Antonio Thompson: Days 13 and 14 in State Care

Stigma and Discrimination: A Safe Space for All Those who are Vulnerable

Tamian called yesterday and asked me for Mr. Calmright’s phone number. I told him that Mr. Calmright gave me a number which I believed was his CDA network cell phone number but it did not seem to work. I called the number at least twice but did not get through to him.

Antonio called yesterday too. He had concerns about his new home and where he will go next? I told him that “high level” people were working on his case and that I suspected there would be a solution soon. I asked him to be patient some more.

Stigma and Discrimination

Stigma is stigma regardless of who wears the stamp. It is an invisible brand that is stamped on “others” by so called mainstream society. Discrimination is discrimination regardless of who feels the pain of the injustice. Whether we stigmatize and discriminate against Antonio (a street boy) or ”Antonette” (a church brother), the effects are the same - the “victim” becomes more vulnerable; they are prone to violent attacks; they do not readily seek services from mainstream society; and they eventually develop coping skills such as banding together with thier own kind and exhibiting duality in behaviour as a survival strategy.  

As I sat and listened to the participants at the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities PEER training yesterday, I was reminded that the rights of ALL MEN must be protected.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” That’s what the Executive Director of Jamaica AIDS Support said on December 2, 2009 at the United States Embassy’s panel discussion on World AIDS Day. She was using one of Martin Luther King Jr’s well known quotations. Miss Yvonne, a little lady with a powerful voice knew the quotation more than anyone in the audience.  

I was also convinced that the Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) team of videographers at the panel discussion was familiar with the quotation:   “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  

The White Pegasus introduced “Philadelphia”

I watched “Philadelphia” from beginning to end in the cold auditorium with my husband. Before the movie started I noticed the white horse with wings and recognized him as Pegasus. He approached from the front with his front legs spread apart and his chest high. 

Why was their Pegasus white?

And why is my Pegasus black?

Is there a difference between the white winged horse and the black winged horse?

And what about Springteen’s music? 

Hanks’ Opera?

Washington’s business cards?

Which of these men represent the true meaning of Pegasus?

One of my male mute readers told me before the movies started that he was reading “Seeds of Insight.” He dipped his shoulder to the left side and praised God. I smiled and dipped my shoulder to the right side and praised God.  A female mute reader was standing close by and I knew she was engaged. I told her that I would be working soon and how the job found me. She was not surprised because she knew about the ”energy” and the ”attraction.”

I did not see my mute readers after the movie. They left before the story was completed.

Dancing with “Antonette”

Yesterday I also danced with “Antonette.” They caught us on video at the Musgrave Hotel. 

Who defines me? Who defines my friends? Where do I live? Where is my community? Do we understand how teenagers and youth communicate these days?

When are we going to throw away the damn old boxes?

We have a long way to go with stigma and discrimination in Jamaica. The task ahead is great especially in a country where violence permeates the society. 

The Planning Institute says that we are missing our development targets. Why? Could it be that we are missing opportunities for growth and development by simply excluding our brilliant minds? 

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091204/news/news5.html

Male Energy that needs to be released

My discriminating cousin-in-law left on Wednesday. He is one of my seeds; a strong force of positive male energy that needs to be released. In 2002 he brought me the blessings of a job at USAID and now in 2009 he came a day before the call from Uruguay and left after he took the photos of my diplomas. He knows that I am now wiser and more prepared; a mediator for the vulnerable and a diplomat for the Church.

Big Protest in Chapelton

I saw Mass Rudyard and Mass Pearnel on the evening news again yesterday. They were reaching out to the people in Chapelton. Big protest in Chapelton on Wednesday and Thursday!  The people want their hospital to remain open and they were protesting.

I did not notice the hospital when I went up to St. Joseph’s last week. I knew St. Joseph’s was in Mass Pearnel’s constituency though and I could understand why Mass Rudyard was involved.

Wow! A community protest to save the little country hospital brought down two big men from town. And all this was happening under the watchful eyes of the teenage boys on the chosen hills of St. Joseph’s high on top of Mount Zion.

 

Antonio Thompson: Day 12 in State Care

So it seems as if Antonio has found a home at the Possibilities Programme in Kingston. That is what the Gleaner reported on November 30th, 2009.

Or is it that he will find a home at the Possibilities Programme in Kingston?

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091130/news/news1.html

According to a release from Miss Babsy’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, “None of our unattached youth who comes seeking help from any of our government service must be turned away, be made to feel ignored, or leave without assistance.”

Well it look like some big changes took place on December 1st, 2009; According to the Gleaner article below, these changes will make the Possibility Programme more efficient. Look like seh Miss Babsy mean business! 

http://www.go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=14767

I received a call from the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) on Tuesday morning. They wanted to get in touch with Antonio’s parents. I told them that I did not know their whereabouts but the CDA would have that information on their files. Seemed like they were not aware that Tamian was back on the island…they wanted to speak to him too. Sounded like high level interventions were taking place fi Antonio in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

I wonder if they are trying to find Antonio’s parents so that they can invite them to the big Prime Minister’s Youth Awards For Excellence this Sunday? Boy, that would be something big! I heard that the focus this year will be on the family. We know how this Ministry can Entertain; afterall Miss Babsy’s Ministry is responsible for Entertainment and Women’s Affairs too PLUS a Men’s Desk too. Yes sah!

How can one woman manage so much work? How can a woman manage a Men’s Desk?

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/Bureau-of-Women-s-Affairs-launches-male-desk

I am sure Miss Babsy has good intentions but she must be careful and allow the CDA to do their investigations. She can certainly push the Agency to move faster but she should not override them. The last thing we would want is any more public drama or embarrassment in Jamaica. Family matters are not always easy to deal with in Jamaica. It betta fi lef nuff tings eena di home and get di outside help fi deal wid it dere.

 

Antonio Thompson: Day 11 in State Care

We flew into St. Joseph’s last night in Tamian’s aircraft. There were three of us on the flight. After experiencing some delays on the runway we were in the skies. It was one of the fastest take-offs that I ever had and so I had to pray out loud with Tamian, the pilot and Rochelle, his assistant.

As we flew through the open sky, I felt a deep connection to Tamian; a connection between mother and son. I was a proud mother sitting in the rear passenger seat of his aircraft, praying for his safety. Strong sweet scents from Heaven filled the aircraft and made my soul rejoice.

Tamian was happy to be back in Jamaica. He had a great trip to Trinidad where he met the Queen of England and Layne Robinson. It was a wonderful trip with great prospects but he was glad to be back to get down to some serious work. Last night Tamian took his maiden flight up to St. Joseph’s, Mount Zion with a clear vision and big plans for a state of the art facility for street boys. And I knew that in God’s time, he would be there.

Visions

I told him about my decision to register “Seeds of Insight” and explained how I visualized the company. Similar to his vision, we were both going to focus on young men but would use different strategies. His project was going to be huge and was going to require large amounts of physical infrastructure and capital; mine was going to be a small operation yet would extend into cyberspace using “affordable new technologies.”  His will be the Change and mine will be the stories about the Change.

Antonio called at least three times while we were on our way to St. Joseph’s. The last time he called we were about twenty minutes away.

“How far unno deh now?” He wanted to know the distance from May Pen to St. Joseph’s.

Big Brother

He was sitting on the steps waiting on us when we pulled into the uneven parking lot at the top of the driveway. He was waiting patiently for Tamian like a little brother would wait on a beloved big brother. As the aircraft lights shone on him in the dark I felt a motherly connection to him. I thanked God that we arrived safely.

Boy, I thought Michele was on a mission last week Sunday but Tamian was on a Higher Mission last night.

As we disembarked, we noticed a young man who stood by Antonio like he was in charge. He was Mr. Understanding and he was on duty.

“Do you have permission to visit?”

We shook Mr. Understanding’s hand explained why we were there and why we were so late. Mr. Understanding nodded. 

Tamian clasped his right hand into Antonio’s and I saw when their two thumbs rubbed against each other with passion. Then they used their hands to pull their left shoulders together until they were in a comfortable masculine embrace.

“Are you his brother?” Mr. Understanding asked.

“Well, hmm, I guess you could say so.” Replied Tamian as he accepted the Will of the Universe.

I waited until everyone was introduced and then I stepped up for my hug. Antonio smelled fresh just like my boys when they walk out of the shower. And I praised God!

As we stood under the light of the Full Moon, I felt the urge to whisper something to Mr. Understanding.

“Some of these parents really do not have the skills to deal with teenage boys…some give up too easily…but then I know that it is not easy for a lot of them.”

Mr. Understanding could relate to what I said.

Good Men

Mr. Calmright was tucked in for the night . He had a busy day and Mr. Understanding and Antonio knew that they could not disturb him at 7:00 pm. He needed his rest.

Antonio then introduced us to two other boys. The taller one was as handsome as Asafa Powell and the other as rough as Romel Gordon, the day I first met him in 2006.

I saw their potential and I decided to nourish them.

“We need good men in this country…you are both so promising…we need you to be good men.”

The boys smiled and I noticed that their clothes and their skins were clean. I heard that the taller one was a twin.

Tamian then gave Antonio something special and the Full Moon advanced in the sky and captured the moment in a perfect photograph.

After an hour or so, we took our seats for the return flight to Kingston. We passed by Mr. Calmright’s cottage. The house radiated in the light of the Full Moon showing off its warm colours and its manicured lawn. God’s blessings were on the Calmright’s house overlooking Boyz Town on the other side.

God wanted us to be at St. Joseph’s 

Earlier in the day (on Monday) I told the small group of PEER Facilitators that I wanted to be in Clarendon but my husband wanted to be in New Castle. I prayed silently that we would be in agreement according to the Will of the Universe and by 4:00 pm everything was all sorted out. God wanted us to be at St. Joseph’s on Mount Zion last night and there was peace.

Sweet Scents

Yesterday was filled with Sweet Scents. There were at least sixteen different fragrances that blew across my nostrils. I woke up in the presence of my husband and my young son; worked with half a dozen brilliant male minds at the Musgrave Hotel; planted seeds of discipline and freedom of expression with Marlo, the artist; and nourished another half a dozen seeds on the top of St. Joseph’s Mount Zion. 

I pulled into my garage around 10:20 pm and was escorted to my door by the Full Moon. High up in the heavens, He stood watching over me. He was also watching over Antonio and all of the other seeds I met yesterday. The design was already drawn at least forty-five years ago and I was now content.

I thank God now for “throwing me into the troubled waters and for cleansing me.” My men will protect me and I will do my best to nurture them with the help of my sisters.

Sleeping with Angels

I was tired and was excited to write but I knew that I had to sleep first with the Angels. At 4:00 am I was awakened by strong energies; Tamian, Antonio and the aircraft were all there in front of me in my room. My husband was lying there beside me still sleeping. I rose to thank God for Him. He is a good man. I will call Matthew tomorrow and make some mint tea with lime juice for Ethan’s sore throat.

Thank you Father!

 

Antonio Thompson: Day 10 in State Care

Antonio’s Father in a Dream

On Sabbath morning I saw Antonio’s father approached me in a dream. He appeared like an older man with very little hair on his head and graying hairline. His complexion was the same as Antonio’s. I saw him admiring his son and heard when he said:

“He is a good looking boy, my son.”

The dream was so real and strong that I had to rise up fast. Some dreams have that kind of effect on me even now that I am free at last.

 

Tamian and Antonio

I spoke to Antonio this evening and he sounded like he was in good spirits. He received my message along with many others on his cell phone.

 ”Mi get whole heep a message.” He was happy to hear from everyone.

 Praise God for all those angels who are calling him.

 Praise God that Tamian is back from his trip. I know that Antonio is looking forward to see him.

 Another trip is due for St. Joseph’s on the top of Mount Zion…maybe tomorrow. We will work on that.

 Again I pray for his parents, that God will make a way for them. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen!

 

The Companies Office of Jamaica

I am still thinking about my trip to the Companies Office last Friday morning. As soon as I sat in the chair I felt her spirit and hoped that she would be the one to assist me. She had another customer who was an older man of East Indian descent.

Later when I sat before her and told her the name of my company, she smiled and said, “I love it!”

Her male supervisor came over to assist.

“It is all about seeds, good men, and their positive energies…I got tired of hearing about bad men and decided to do this.”

He smiled and I saw that he appreciated what I meant by the name.

And “Senses at Dawn! Wow! You know that is so lovely…I write poems too, you know.”

I could tell that she felt the words because we spoke for a while about the beauty and demands of the poetry.

 “‘Senses at Dawn’, I could write a poem about that,” she said.

According to their rules, I could not register one company with two names. So I decided that I had to find another way to protect “Senses at Dawn” as my intellectual property. Next week I will go and talk to the JIPO people. 

 

The young male cashier was also pleasant as he responded to my greeting. I looked in his eyes and right away I knew he was a good seed that was planted some twenty years ago and nurtured by others to grow.

 

Andrea caught my attention even though she was way across the room. I sat on half of the brown vinyl chair and saw the huge files she had.  She reminded me of someone from the past; blonde hair, warm spirit, kind, from the United States. I wanted to talk to her and the Universe knew it.   

In a few minutes she was ahead of me in the cashier’s line. She offered to let me go ahead. I felt her eyes on my locks and on my hands as I completed the last few sections of the reservation form.

“My name is Andrea,” she said. “I have quite a bit to do, so go ahead.”

Just like that again my wish came true.

She is a lawyer who works with her husband.

“Thank you, I won’t be too long…just here beginning the process of my registration. It is something that I thought about for quite some time but just recently made the decision to do.”

She said that they are interested in helping people with new ideas to get loans and other types of assistance and such.

I asked her for a business card and she found one in her portfolio. I plan to call her one day soon before the ninety days are through.

 

I left the Companies Office feeling encouraged. Every employee I interacted with in the Companies Office on Friday was customer-friendly. In less than an hour there were four people who served me professionally and one lady whose kindness I felt.

More connections were made on Friday as I continued along this long journey!