Economic Power Dynamics in Jamaica: A Call for Change

Contributed By Michael Spence

The current state of governance in Jamaica has raised questions about the distribution of power and economic opportunities. While the government is supposed to serve the people, it appears that real power lies with those who hold economic sway. 

This is particularly evident in the plantation economic model (PEM), where those at the top exercise significant control over workers.

This system bears an uncomfortable resemblance to the exploitative practices of the past, where slave drivers wielded absolute power over enslaved people. Today, the tools of control have evolved, with technology and artificial intelligence playing a significant role in shaping the narrative and maintaining the status quo.

One glaring example of this economic imbalance is the tax system. 

Plantation workers bear a disproportionate burden of direct taxes, while certain industries, such as hotels and agriculture, enjoy exemptions and incentives. The Hotel Incentives Act and Agriculture Incentives Act provide generous benefits to these sectors, but do these benefits trickle down to the workers?

The disparity is stark when comparing the tax exemptions enjoyed by ministers, MPs, and senior civil servants to the high taxes paid by ordinary citizens. 

The selective application of tax laws and customs duties creates an uneven playing field, where those with economic power are shielded from the same burdens faced by others.

The recent scandal at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) highlights the consequences of this system.

The importation of goods without paying customs duties and taxes undermines the integrity of our institutions and perpetuates corruption.

To create a more equitable society, it's essential to level the economic playing field. 

This can be achieved by reforming the tax system; eliminating direct taxation would eliminate the need for so many exemptions and ensure that everyone contributes their fair share. 

By doing so, we can reduce corruption, crime, and fear, thus building a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all Jamaicans.

Michael Spence

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Passage Fort Garbage Needs Attention

Report From Passage Fort

Mr. Derby,

I am asking you to help with me untidy situation in the  Community of Passage Fort, outside of the Community Park.

The Member of Parliament Dr. Alfred Dawes and Councillor Campbell nor the Passage Fort Citizens Association Executive that collects fees at the Park, have shown any interest in clearing this dump site.

This is from December when the Prime Minister ask that the Hurricane Melissa Garbage be cleaned up in Communities, it is now a nesting place for Mongoose and Rats, this is very close to homes. 

Please to kindly ask Mr. Gordon, from the National Solid Waste Authority to send a team to assist before things get worse. 

It is at Sunset Road by the Community Park Basic School Passage Fort, Portmore.  

Thanks in advance,

#Complaint #OTGDG #PassageFort

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Watch Your Bank Accounts - Thieves Are Aplenty

I received a report from a consumer about her Scotia Debit card credentials being used fraudulently to purchase things totalling over JAD60,000. She declared that she is the only person who has access to the card, and she has never allowed anyone to use it. 

Many banks try to blame the customers when funds are removed or used from their accounts, rather than trying to assist customers. The customer who reported her funds missing to me was told that the bank does not check transactions over three months. This is utter rubbish.

The banks are not making a loss. The banks should budget for customer education and also tighten the security to make it more difficult for persons to use other people's debit or credit cards.  It should be mandatory that all banks send a text message or email message alert when funds have been withdrawn or used from an account.

I notice that only one financial institution is allowing customers to add contacts to the accounts. These contact persons could be reached by the bank when they are unable to reach the customers. This would minimize the number of dormant accounts. It seems to me that the banking sector and the government love those dormant accounts. Dormant accounts are funds sitting there to be taken by unscrupulous persons. The funds in a dormant account should eventually go to the customer's estate and not to the government. This is legalized robbery. There is a big story behind the dormant accounts, and it seems that the banks are not anxious to have the system changed. Many customers have been burnt in the past. The governor of the Bank of Jamaica is quiet on this matter.

Customer, in the meantime, please do the following:

• Keep your debit and credit cards in a secure place.
• Do not allow anyone else to use your cards.
• Do not write down your PIN on a piece of paper or store it on your phone or your computer.
• Do not allow anyone to handle your credit or debit card. You must place it in the machine yourself.
• Do not allow people to stand near you when you are at the cashier in the supermarket.
• Request that your financial institution allow you full control over your credit and debit cards. For example, you should be able to disable the ability to tap to pay for a bill. You should be able to set an expenditure limit.  You should be able to disable and set limits for Internet transactions.

I have already given information about securing your bank accounts, but not many people seemed to have taken up these suggestions. There are far more things to consider; if I added all these things, this blog would be too long. Check for more information on the Internet.

Please note that many people have lost funds via their debit and credit cards. Don't wait until you are caught flat-footed!

I encourage you to add your suggestions and experiences with the banks as comments. We will all benefit from your contribution. 

#Complaint #Scotiabank

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Let Us Remember Them While They Are Still With Us

Maxine Henry-Wilson

There are some people we have not heard from in a long time. While at the pharmacy in Liguanea, I saw former politician Maxine Henry-Wilson. I spent some time talking about those fights I had with Easton Douglas, supported by people like Angella Smith and other residents, to get their land titles in Nannyville Gardens.

It was a rough fight that involved a confrontation with a don named Drama. Drame saw me downtown sometime after and hugged me and said to me, "Missa Derby yu a good sumady."

Easton Douglas became one of my big supporters when I did At Your Service at NNN.

Maxine's memory is still clicking, and she remembers the meeting she had with residents of Nannyville and me in New Kingston. This was after I had written a letter to PM Patterson about the residents of Nannyville getting their titles.

Gladston Wilson

Gladston Wilson continues to fight, although his health is failing. He had a distinctive voice at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). He was one of those talented broadcasters I worked with in the early days. Those days, your diction and your delivery had to be top-class, or you would be out.

He read the news at JBC with authority.

Hon. Errol Morrison OJ

The professor has no intention of slowing down, especially since the love of his life keeps him fit and young. His mind is extremely sharpe and he is a man full of fun and laughter. He still practices medicine on a limited basis, and he still offers his service to the state.

I am still here because he decided that I should see him. I did, and I got a thorough checkup that required immediate action after.

Dr Keith Amiel

Keith Amiel is now retired. Many of you will remember his days as an actor. I acted in the play 'Stanley, Fay, Pularchie, and P' with him many years ago. He was married to Leonie Forbes-Amiel for a while.

Pauline Stone-Myrie

Pauline Stone-Myrie now lives in Florida. A woman full of love and energy with whom I shared the stage. She is one of those people who sends daily messages—checking up on me.

Pauline has been featured in various plays and also in films.

Patsy Ricketts

Patsy Ricketts is still with us, but she is certainly not as agile as she was when she was a young lead dancer with the NDTC. A beautiful and humble woman with a calm spirit. Those who have missed her dancing or playing the cat in a pantomime have missed a lot. I first met her when I sang with the NDTC singers.

She is still going strong and continues to contribute to the world of dance.

Lorna Gordon

Lorna is still going strong and is a veteran in the field of journalism. A woman who was in business and has probably produced more shows for more talk show hosts in Jamaica than anyone else.

I credit her for helping me to make At Your Service the leading consumer show in Jamaica a few years ago.

When you want to find a reliable media person, someone to plan events - find Lorna. When it comes to writing, she is the best. 

Ionie Ramsay

Ionie made some firsts in the Jamaica Constabulary Force and, I believe, in this hemisphere. Can you imagine her in her heyday? A slim, petite woman driving the big police bike. In those days, those who intended to break the road traffic law would think twice when they heard she was around.

She is fighting the good fight. She is always doing social work through her church.

She is not as active as she used to be. I am proud to have her as a friend. I will never forget how she and her husband stood by me during a crisis some years ago.

Beverly Duncan

I met up with Beverly Duncan at Jazz In The Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel over a year ago, and she was full of life and energy. She seems fit and in fairly good health. Bev was Michael Manley's wife, and she subsequently married Dr D. K. Duncan.

Note

You can check Google and find out more about these people. There is a wealth of information about them online.

I welcome your comments on these outstanding personalities. Add your comments to the bottom of the blog.

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Saluting The Investigators

 Contributed By SSP  Nicholson

The investigative process can be very tedious and complicated based on the circumstances in each case. The process involves expertise,  experience and a persistent attitude to unearth the best evidence in order to bring closure to each matter being investigated.

I take the opportunity as the divisional commander to commend our hardworking detectives, who have been going beyond the call of duty to ensure that the investigations are thoroughly done. One of the recent successful results of their tireless efforts resulted in the arrest and charging of four individuals who have conspired, participated in the actual commission, or benefited from a housebreaking and larceny (shop) which occurred in January 2026. The investigative process was very expansive and the diligence of St Catherine North detectives led to garnering evidence and significant arrests.

Items stolen 

• Fifty-nine smartphones.
• Eleven Samsung Tablets.
• One laptop computer.

 Arrests

1. Randy Murray ( From Savanna La Mar, Westmorland ) - charged with House Breaking and Larceny 
2. Franklin Crosse ( From Hanbery Road in Manchester ) - charged with Conspiracy to House Breaking and Larceny.
3. Pansy Henry ( From Claremont, St Ann ) - charged with conspiracy to House Breaking and Larceny as well as receiving stolen property.
4. Kordel Williams ( From Drax Hall, St Ann ) - charged with conspiracy to House Breaking and Larceny 

This investigation, which led to the arrests of the accused (from various parishes), highlighted the organized manner in which criminal networks operate across the island. 

Sherlock Holmes stated, "It is the investigator's business to know what other people don't know." This investigative process spans several parishes, and to the detectives' merit, they did not confine the investigations to the division or the parish of St Catherine. The available evidence and intelligence were pursued, which resulted in the arrest of perpetrators from various parishes who are presently awaiting their day in court.

We believe that individuals who work hard for their resources should enjoy the fruits of their labour. Our astute investigators continue to aid in upholding this moral fortitude. The St Catherine North Division and the citizens across the division and the country are extremely proud of the efforts of our very professional investigators.

Salute to our investigators and all those who lead the various criminal investigation units.

Hopton Nicholson, MBA, BSc, psjcc 

Senior Superintendent of Police 

Commanding Officer 

St Catherine North Police Division

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• Do you need a live-in caregiver?
• Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

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Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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