My 2 cents and more.

The Aloe Vera with Mother Lee

2015-10-08T07:04:00.001-07:00

My interest in herbs originated from growing up with a mother who is a believer in the Power of Nature. Here is an interview I did with her about the Aloe Vera plant.

Mother talks about how she uses the Aloe Vera

Why I MUST drink this TEA every morning!

2015-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

OUR MORINGA TREES

I conducted a small experiment last week and I made myself the Guinea Pig. I have been drinking Moringa Tea on and off for a few months and I decided to take a week off just drinking my regular green tea instead. During that week I could feel the changes in my body. First, I was lackluster to say the least. I struggled to get out of bed each morning and when I did reluctantly roll out, I was in no way motivated to do my one hour walk. I just wanted breakfast, yes I was famished, every single morning, hungry like a dog- crazy eh?

Yesterday morning I woke up at 5:00 am,, went to the kitchen and resumed my Moringa regimen. Immediately I felt the effects, my energy perked up, I ate a banana, went on my walk and after my one hour walk, I came home still not hungry. It may be mind over matter but I don't mind. I find that when I drink it regularly I do not need my allergy medicines or my albuterol (for asthma), I really just don't get sick. It is my resolution that I must drink Moringa every morning in order to survive at my most optimal level.

We have 3 trees in our yard that we cherish and care for. People come by and ask us for branches and I understand their obsession with it. Not only do I drink the tea but I also use the seeds as a laxative and I am researching the use of the stalks as a poultice for wounds and skin conditions and the use of the roots. I have found the following videos and articles helpful:

There are many claims about Moringa, from energy to cancer, I can only speak about what I know it does for me. The only side effect I have found is that it makes me pee a lot. I really do not allow the frequent urination to bother me because I believe that the moringa is acting as a diuretic cleansing my kidneys and detoxing my body of excess water and that's a good thing.

Here is how I prepare the tea (with mint):

Cut the branches from the tree
Tie the branches and wash them
Hang them to start drying
Before they dry, remove them and place in a large brown bag. Leave the bag outside and allow the leaves to dry some more.
When they are dry, they will start falling away from the branches. Shake the bag and remove the branches.
Place the leaves in a container.
Put a pot of water on the stove to boil. When the water is boil, add the moringa leaves ( a handful to 2 quarts of water.
You may seep with mint, ginger or even add lemon at the end. Moringa is relatively tasteless, so whatever you seep it with will overpower its taste but not potency.
Turn off the flame and seep for 5 mins.
Strain and add your sweetener - honey, turbinado sugar or agave are preferred).
Drink while hot. ENJOY!, FEEL THE TEA MOVE THROUGH YOUR BODY TO HEAL EACH ORGAN, FEEL THE REJUVENATION, FEEL THE POWER!
You should be running to the bathroom in 5,4,3... PEE!

Drying the leaves

Dried leaves in a container

Boil Water

Place Moringa and mint leaves in boiling water.

Stir. Turn off fire, cover and seep for 5 mins.

Great color

Strain Tea into mug

ENJOY, REJUVENATE, HEAL

Mackerel Rundown from Our Kitchen

2015-08-29T15:16:00.001-07:00

Today the hubster and I created our first video, We have been asked over and over how we prepare the food that hundreds have enjoyed from our home kitchen. Here is the first of what we hope will be many videos demonstrating our delicious Jamaican food. ENJOY, like, share and comment! THANK YOU, from our kitchen to yours virtually.

GREAT Diabetic Resource

2012-06-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Get your free Diabetic Cookbook here:
Diabetic Cookbook

Delicious Bitterness!

2012-06-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Cooking with Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia)

One of my favorite TV show is the Food Network's "Chopped". The basket intrigues me and the chefs' response to a challenging basket and a ticking clock is nothing short of dramatic. On one episode the chefs were challenged with the Bitter Melon, an ingredient I grew up knowing as "Foo Gaw". The Bitter Melon is from the same family as the Jamaican herbal tea Cerasee and has an equally acerbic taste as the dreaded tea that we would have to drink whenever we had a bellyache or needed some form of "washout".

Anyway, back to "Chopped", the Bitter Melon bowled over a few of the chefs who had no idea how to cook it. One chef just sliced it up and put it in a salad, I felt sorry for the judges who would have to taste that because I am all too familiar with its taste. Needless to say, that episode brought back memories of my father and his love for the bitter melon and how much that influenced my acquired taste for it and consequential love for what I now call one of my all time favorite Chinese dishes- Stuffed Foo Gaw (Bitter Melon) with Pork.

So, my father is here on vacation and I would not pass up the opportunity for a cooking class in how to make stuffed Foo Gaw with Pork. The following video is a quick demonstration of my dad's version of stuffed Foo Gaw with Pork. There are many different versions of this dish- some people use chicken, beef or shrimp and others steam it and them cook it in a sauce. Whatever the version is, it is a wonderful dish and if you are not scared of "bitter"- it is worth a try.

Tips for Cooking with Bitter Melon

Always remove the core and seeds.
Blanch the bitter melon in hot water for about 5 minutes to remove some of the bitterness

Other Ways to Consume Bitter Melon

Sliced thinly and stir fried with your favorite meat and oyster sauce
Blended as a drink (blanch then blend) use a sweetener to taste
Curried by itself or with meat and/or vegetables
Made into a pickle (achar)

Health Benefits?

According to the National Bitter Melon Council, the bitter melon may have the following health benefits: Bitter melon stimulates digestion it can be helpful in people with sluggish digestion, dyspepsia, and constipation; Bitter melon may have powerful insulin-lowering effects– it can be a very powerful anti-diabetic and more.

What to do with all those HOT Peppers!

2012-05-17T12:32:00.003-07:00

My love affair with hot peppers is no secret. I have written about it and I have been subject to many "cuss off" because I use too much when I cook. Recently, we acquired the Chocolate Scotch Bonnet plant and the tree has been bearing out of control. Below is my mostly unedited video on how to quickly use excess hot peppers. Below is my original blog post about my lover. ENJOY and your comments are welcome.

UPDATE: I now have a chocolate habanero plant and I must admit that it is very very HOT!

NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP!
Originally Posted: May 2, 2011

My recent Lenten sacrifice had me thinking about the things that I would and would not give up for any period of time. I mentioned chocolate in my previous post, the other would be hot peppers, raw, not processed, just sliced and devoured. At least 1-2 fruits a day, on everything. Yes, I love my peppers and Scotch Bonnets are my favorites.

We had one plant that perished in the cold spell, so for a few months we have been searching.A few days ago, the hubster (HB) called me excited "I found a scotch bonnet plant, the person says I must come and get it now because it is the last one he has left". Knowing HB he must get that last one, and he did. He arrived home holding it up like a trophy he had just won. Proud and happy. Eager to plant. While we were picking the fruit we noticed the nursery label, a place not far away, I googled, emailed and called and they had 11 plants "we must get 5" the hubster said, and as it is said, so it was done. We have 5 beautiful plants.

One may say my relationship with peppers is genetic, from my East Indian heritage. At 14 a Doctor told me I would have to stop eating peppers because I had developed a peptic ulcer. Looking back now I think that was the reason I did not do well in the CXCs, I was miserable :-). I don't know where the ulcer went but as soon as I felt better the peppers were back with a vengeance. I never could give it up.

The photos are of the Scotch Bonnet plants and fruits. Many people use the names Scotch Bonnet and Habanero interchangeably but a "pepper officianado" like me know that the SB is shorter, wider, hotter and has a lingering, almost sweet and aromatic flavor. Having the real thing is worth so much to me.

Thanks HB, that will do for Mother's Day!! By the way if anyone reading this would like to send me a ghost pepper plant aka Bhut Jolokia. You are welcome to.

FACTS ABOUT THE SCOTCH BONNET PEPPER

Found mainly in the Caribbean slands and also in Guyana, the Maldives Islands and West Africa

Scotch Bonnets have a heat rating of 100,000–350,000 Scoville Units. For comparison, most jalapeño peppers have a heat rating of 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville scale.

www.thechileman.org claims that it is native to the Caribbean

The Scotch Bonnet Chocolate (yum, yum), pictured to the right, is also known as the Jamaican Pepper- wow!!!

**Scoville scale**
Scoville rating	Type of pepper
15,000,000-16,000,000	Pure capsaicin^[5]
8,600,000-9,100,000	Various capsaicinoids (e.g. homocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin)
2,000,000-5,300,000	Standard U.S. Grade pepper spray^[6], FN 303 irritant ammunition
855,000-1,050,000	Naga Jolokia^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]
350,000-580,000	Red Savina Habanero^[11]^[12]
100,000-350,000	Habanero chili,^[13] Scotch Bonnet Pepper, ^[13] Datil pepper, Rocoto, Jamaican Hot Pepper ^[6], African Birdseye
50,000-100,000	Thai Pepper, Malagueta Pepper, Chiltepin Pepper, Pequin Pepper
30,000-50,000	Cayenne Pepper, Ají pepper ^[13], Tabasco pepper, some Chipotle peppers
10,000-23,000	Serrano Pepper, some Chipotle peppers
2,500-8,000	Jalapeño Pepper, Guajillo pepper, New Mexican varieties of Anaheim pepper,^[14] Paprika (hungarian wax pepper)^[15]
500-2,500	Anaheim pepper ^[16], Poblano Pepper, Rocotillo Pepper
100-500	Pimento^[6], Pepperoncini
0	No heat, Bell pepper ^[6]

Sources

Thechileman
WikiPedia
ChilePepper- Scoville Scale
PEPPER PLANTS from: Hopkins Nursery & Wonder Gardens Inc. FL

CPSC RECALLED ITEMS May 2, 2012

2012-05-02T13:28:00.001-07:00

Check Your Home for These Recalled Recreational and Home Products Now that Spring is Here

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Spring has sprung. Warm weather means kids are playing outside and families are firing up their grills and working on the lawn. Before you use spring-related products this season, check to see if they have been recalled. It could save your family's lives. You can find out more about these recalls at www.cpsc.gov.

Product | Recall Press Release | Hazard

Adventure Playsets (240,000 units) | 11-262 |The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard.

Pacific Cycle Dartmouth Swing Sets (5,500 units) | 11-313 | The sling-style swing seats can crack or split prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Slalom Glider (900 units) | 12-109 | The Slalom Glider is a playground slide that lacks a transition platform on the top and sides on the chute. Children can fall when moving from the ladder to the slide and when descending the chute.

Uni-O Portable LP Gas Grills (4,530 units) | 12-077 | The regulator on the grill can leak gas, which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Westinghouse Ceiling Fans (7,000 units) | 12-135 | The two 60-watt light bulbs included with the ceiling fans exceed the fan's maximum wattage, which can cause the ceiling fans to overheat or fail. This poses fire and shock hazards to consumers.

Pourable Gel Fuel (2.5 million bottles) | 11-255, 11-336, 11-337, 11-338, 11-339, 11-340, 11-344, 11-346, 12-002, 12-007, 12-020 | The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Gel fuel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers that can be fatal.

Kiddieland Toys Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes (12,000 units) | 12-029 | The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar, posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them.

Build-A-Bear Swimwear Set With Inflatable Inner Tube (19,720 units) | 12-041 | The inner tube accessory can be pulled over a small child's head, posing a strangulation hazard.

American Honda Grass Trimmers (14,000 units) | 12-121 | The shaft can crack and cause the lower gear case and cutting attachment to detach, posing a laceration hazard to the operator and bystanders.

To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12165.html

FREE STUFF from Dr. Oz 5/2/2012 at Noon!!

2012-05-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

I love Dr. Oz and I am a frequent watcher of his show although he really grosses me out sometimes :-). I was delighted to hear that tomorrow at noon he will be giving away free stuff like the items featured below:

Win a Bottle of Eau de Lite!

Follow your nose to a skinnier you! Eau de Lite is an elegant and feminine fragrance that can help curb cravings and aid weight loss. Eau de Lite features crisp notes of fresh green apple, peppermint and vanilla, which studies have shown help restore focus and quiet hunger.

Win a Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker!
Fitbit Ultra clips to your clothes and keeps track of steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, floors climbed, and how well you sleep at night. The Fitbit Ultra also shows you how active you are with an animated flower that grows and shrinks with the activity level. Online, your health information comes to life with easy-to-read charts and graphs, earned badges, and a huge community where you can get extra motivation and support, and challenge each other to meet goals and achievements.

Win an Omega Vert VRT350 Juicer!

The Omega Vert VRT350 Juicer is a revolutionary product that features the high efficiency of a masticating style juicer in a vertical design. The Vert is designed to be compact, contemporary and productive. Most juicers process at a speed of 1,650 to 16,000 RPM, destroying many healthy enzymes and causing juice to degrade shortly after being extracted. With the Vert, form and function combine to give you the highest degree of extraction and the healthiest possible juice.

Win a Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System!

Opal gently kneads an exclusive Anti-Aging Sea Serum or your favorite eye product onto the skin at 125 sonic movements per second, maximizing absorption in a way that's not possible with your fingers alone.

Win a Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion AM Moisturizer SPF 30!

Fight wrinkles, protect against UVA/UVB rays and moisturize all in one. A 1.5% time-release retinol solution gradually delivers potent retinol over an 8-hour period, encouraging the skin's renewal process while minimizing irritation. Oil-free and fragrance-free! With regular use, skin texture improves, skin tone is evened, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced and pores appear smaller. Skin looks renewed, refreshed, restored, brighter and smoother.

Win a Tanda Pearl Ionic Teeth Whitening System!

Tanda Pearl™ is a revolutionary new ionic teeth-whitening system. It uses patented ionic technology to deliver professionally whiter teeth in 5 days and visibly whiter teeth in as little as 5 minutes with no sensitivity. The Pearl is the first and only device to provide 360° Total Whitening with its unique double-biting tray that treats all your teeth, front and back. Enamel-safe and easy to use, the ionic whitening gel breaks down stains deep inside the teeth with no sensitivity or irritation to deliver your whitest, brightest smile quickly and comfortably.

As a Peter Thomas Roth fan I am going after the Moisturizer. GOOD LUCK to me and YOU TOO!!

VIEW CONTEST HERE: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/win-dr-ozs-best-products-get-healthy?hs317=billboard_1

'Bush tea' danger

2012-03-29T05:19:00.001-07:00

'Bush tea' danger - News - JamaicaObserver.com:

Bush tea' danger

Cerassie, ganja tea, aloe vera among potentially harmful home remedies

BY DESMOND ALLEN Executive Editor - Operations allend@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, March 29, 2012

POPULAR bush remedies, or 'bush teas' widely consumed in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations have been found to be potentially harmful in recent scientific studies and appraisal by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, St Andrew.Among the bush teas identified by the studies as favourites across the Caribbean are cerassie, annatto, peri-winkle, dandelion, vervine, guaco, cashew bark, coconut shell, aloe vera, and cannabis satira (marijuana).

RAGOOBIRSINGH… Jamaican diabetes patients seem to suffer more severe kidney problems

1/1

The studies said that although these "bushes" had possible beneficial ingredients, they also had potential toxins which could be harmful to individuals. It noted that use of bush remedies had greatly impacted the health of the region.

"The researchers found that across the region there is widespread use of bush teas for a variety of ills, inclusive of diabetes...The medical authorities believe that these bush teas when drunk result in a negative urine test for sugar, and even a real or imagined lowering of blood sugar.

"The reason for this is obscure, but these clinical findings cannot be ignored or denied," the regional university cautioned in a news release this week, ahead of the 18th Conference and Graduate Course in Diabetes entitled "New Frontiers in Diabetes Management" which opens this morning and ends on April 1 at the Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, St Ann. The UWI is partnering with the University of Technology (UTech) to stage the conference.

Professor Dalip Ragoobirsingh, director of the UWI (Mona) Diabetes Education Programme and temporary consultant to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) project on Improvement Initiatives for Diabetes Care in the Caribbean, had serious news for Guyana and Jamaica — two countries where bush remedies are very popular.

Guyana, 20 times the size of Jamaica, has much of its population living in its extensive hinterland and resorting to bush remedies for many ailments. Jamaica, with the largest population in the English-speaking Caribbean, is also well known for its consumption of bush remedies.

"Many Jamaican diabetes patients showing up at the University Hospital of the West Indies seem to suffer more severe kidney problems than other patients," Ragoobirsingh told the Jamaica Observer yesterday. "It's especially major for Guyana, and Jamaica, too, has its problems."

He said the findings of the research would be used for patient education in the management and hopefully prevention of diabetes.

PNP rally in Maggotty St. Elizabeth, Jamaica W.I.

2012-02-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

Election time in my quiet community of Maggotty, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.

JLP Motorcade in Maggotty, Jamaica W.I.

2012-02-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

My video shot during my Christmas vacation in Maggotty, St. Elizabeth

“Nasal Tampon”

2012-01-27T13:50:00.001-08:00

"Nasal Tampon" Made of Cured Pork Is a Great Cure for Nosebleeds

Bacon gets all the internet glory, but its more old-fashioned cousin salt pork may actually be good for you—for your nosebleeds, if not your waistline. Doctors recently used strips of cured salt pork to stop a life-threatening nosebleed. One of the doctors remembered the unconventional treatment from a field manual he saw in his military days, after exhausting all medical treatments short of risky surgeries.

The patient was a four-year-old girl with Glanzmann thrombasthenia, a rare blood disorder where her platelets are unable to do their normal job of blood clotting. Surgery and injection of blood coagulation proteins didn't stop her bleeding after more than a week, so the doctors turned to something untested and low tech: "Cured salted pork crafted as a nasal tampon and packed within the nasal vaults successfully stopped nasal hemorrhage promptly, effectively, and without sequelae," they wrote in a paper about the episode. While "nasal tampon" may sound distinctly undelicious as a pork product, it worked—not once, but twice, as a cure. When the girl re-injured herself four weeks later, the doctors stuffed salt pork up her nose again and she was home in less than 72 hours.

Now we all know that pork fat is tasty, but what does it have to do with stopping nosebleeds? The salt pork remedy has been around for several decades, reported by Dr. Alfred Jared Cone at a meeting of the American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society in 1940. It was thought that salt from the pork draws water to the nasal tissues, making them swell up and squeeze close the broken blood vessels. The doctors in this study add that the salt pork may contain proteins that help blood coagulate, though the exact mechanism of how it stops bleeding is still unknown. Bacon enthusiasts should note that salt pork is not the same thing as bacon: Salt pork contains more fat and is not smoked. So don't take this as affirmation that "Bacon is good for me."

Dr. Ian Humphrey, who treated the bleeding girl, also cautions against using salt pork at homebecause potential bacteria and parasites in the raw meat would be all too happy to find their way into a bleeding nose-wound. You're probably better off pinching your nose and grabbing some nasal decongestant spray, though that presents fewer opportunities for leftovers.

[via The Guardian]

January 27th, 2012 4:04 PM Tags: bacon,bleeding, low-tech medicine
by Sarah Zhang in Diseases, Injuries, & Other Ailments, Top Posts | 0 comments | RSS feed |Trackback >

http://mblogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2012/01/27/nasal-tampon-made-of-cured-pork-is-a-great-cure-for-nosebleeds/

Sent from Christine's iPhone 4.

"Peace"

Can Facebook Get You a Job? [INFOGRAPHIC]

2012-01-25T06:29:00.000-08:00

Can Facebook Get You a Job? [INFOGRAPHIC]

In answer to the question above, approximately 18,400,000 Americans say yes, they got their current job throughFacebook. Though Zuck’s platform ranks #1, Twitter and LinkedIn don’t have shabby numbers either — 8 million and 10.2 million Americans, respectively, have gotten their jobs through social platforms.

Judging from our Job Search Series, it should come as no surprise that being socially savvy pays off in the job hunt for two reasons — it helps you network, and it’s a highly marketable strength in your skill set, given all the openings in the digital space. So, it’s about time you spruce up those social profiles and start networking.

The infographic below combines data from Jobvite, CNN, LinkedIn and JobSearch to assemble a statistical picture of the modern-day job seeker. Check it out for interesting insights and some tricks of the trade to help you land a job.

Affair Proof Your Marriage

2011-11-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/tammy-nelson-phd/post_2646_b_1089283.html

1. They have a commitment to the integrity of their monogamy agreement. They have discussed it, agreed on what it means and they revisit it every couple of years to make sure it still means the same thing. Does going to a friend's bachelor party count? How about having lunch with friends of the opposite sex?

To prevent an affair, talk about your monogamy and what it means to each of you. You might be surprised at some of the ways you disagree.

2. Couples who manage to avoid cheating are also having lots of great sex. Not just lots of sex, but lots of really good, rewarding, connecting and fun sex. This means that you have to find new and innovative ways to stay erotic throughout your marriage. Sure, it's fun now. But when you're tired, cranky or frustrated with each other, you still have to get creative and find ways to please each other in bed.

One way to keep it fresh is to have one new fantasy with each other every couple of months. It's less important that you act out the fantasy and more important that you learn the language of sexual empathy and sharing.

3. Couples who do things together and have an active investment in their busy lives together usually don't have time to cheat. Find hobbies you can share, or places you enjoy going together. You don't have to be attached at the hip to keep each other faithful. But you do have to work to find things that have meaning for the two of you, and build memories for a lifetime.

These memories and habits can shelter you in moments of doubt, and when those opportunities to cheat come up throughout your lifetime (and they will) you will have those thoughts of your spouse so close to you that there will be no room to let someone else in.

Talk to you partner today about affair proofing your marriage, and visitwww.drtammynelson.com for more about writing your monogamy agreements for a lifetime of passion and connection.

Sent from Christine's iPhone 4.

"Peace"

Notes to Dad!

2011-10-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

Today my earthly father turns 70. My heavenly father gave us the past year to cherish and adore him. Thank you Lord! The following are little notes I have been scribbling in the past weeks as I reflect on my dad.

You are the model on how a man, husband, father and dad should exist in this world. A good provider, respectful spouse, loving and devoted dad. Happy 70th Birthday Daddy!

To Dad: You taught me that it is OK to be quiet because my actions will show who I really am. You are not a talker, you are a doer, and your creativity, innovation and pure genius still amazes me. Happy 70th birthday Missa P.

I remember how you would always take back a gold jewel for me when you went on your overseas trips. I would always lose my trinkets because I refuse to take them off on our weekly trips to the beach. When I lost them and would start crying endlessly, you would not blame or spank me but you would promise that next time I would get another.

You were always on time. During my boarding school days I could always depend on you to keep all your promises to pick me up early and visit often.

Dad, you cook the most delicious meals. Your children were never hungry. Through your food and stories from your travels, you exposed us to a world that was far beyond our little rural village in Jamaica.

How can I forget your celebrity phases? As a young child I would see you on the verandah kicking and chopping and pretending that you were Bruce Lee. In the evening, you would grab your guitar and start playing and singing your favorite Elvis Presley tunes. You even wore your hair like Elvis Presley. At other times you would drop a few John Wayne one liners. I loved every moment of it. I love you!

As a young girl I could not understand why you would rather walk away from an argument than get aggressive and fight. Men fight, right? Wrong. Later I learnt that you would walk away but would return to the person you were in conflict with at a later time and talk it out. Not only do I understand that now but I truly appreciate it. Real men talk it out!

You are still struggling with that accent. A unique mix of Jamaican patois with Chinese language. I hope you don't mind me mimicking you occasionally when I make jokes about your- "Flied Lice" (Fried Rice); "Flying Pan" (Frying Pan) and "Lumber Leven Mango" (Number Eleven Mango).

It was not easy for you to marry outside of your race. From you I learnt the value of diversity and the truth that love can conquer race, ethnicity and class. Your interracial marriage not only produced beautiful multiracial children. It provided us with life lessons that are becoming more and more relevant in this dynamic and diverse world.

I love you dad, and when I told you this on the phone a few minutes ago you never reciprocated and said "I love you Chris". I don't think you have ever told me that, and truthfully I did not expect you to this time. These notes are testament to the fact that you were never a talker, but your actions told me that you loved us all immensely all the time. THANK YOU!!

Weather Conditions from The Weather Channel

2011-10-09T05:30:00.001-07:00

Local Severe Weather Alert for location

Surface low could develop near Florida

Tropics Watch: Daily Map Analysis - An upper-level trough over the Gulf and strong easterly surface winds off the Atlantic will cause locally heavy rains and dangerous beach conditions along the east coast of Florida throughout the weekend - A surface low pressure system, probably not fully tropical at first, is likely to form late this weekend over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, southern Florida, and/or the Bahamas, and then head generally north toward the southeast U.S. - Tropical Storm Philippe is no threat to any land areas and will accelerate northeastward out to sea, weaken, and become non-tropical over the north-central Atlantic this weekend - Tropical Storm Jova and Hurricane Irwin, although currently well offshore the Pacific coast of Mexico, will move to the east and likely affect central Mexico directly, starting with Jova possibly making landfall as a major hurricane on Monday or Tuesday - New western Pacific tropical cyclone likely to form this weekend, then strengthen and affect the Philippines early to mid next week ATLANTIC BASIN * System affecting Florida - The combination of an upper-level trough over the Gulf of Mexico, and a tight surface pressure gradient over Florida between a strong eastern U.S. high and a broad surface trough over the Caribbean, will cause strong and gusty east winds, locally heavy rains and flash flooding, and dangerous rip currents and hazardous boating conditions in Florida, especially along the east coast, and the Georgia coast, throughout the weekend - The Caribbean surface trough will slowly amplify and move northward this weekend, and a surface low pressure circulation will likely form Sunday or Sunday night, over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, southern Florida, and/or the Bahamas - The low will probably be broad and not fully tropical, at least at first, due to interaction with the upper-level trough - The low will head generally northward, so some other portions of the southeastern U.S. likely to be affected early and middle portions of next week - Still uncertain exactly how potent the low and its impacts might become, or exactly where they will be maximized * Tropical Storm Philippe - Over the open central Atlantic, well east of Bermuda, and no threat to land - Will continue to accelerate to the northeast and out to sea, weaken, and become non-tropical this weekend EASTERN PACIFIC * Tropical Storm Jova - Centered several hundred miles southwest of the Pacific coast of central Mexico, and will slowly head east-northeastward in the direction of the coast - Expected to become a hurricane this weekend, and could become a major hurricane before making landfall somewhere along the Pacific coast of central Mexico on Monday or Tuesday - Could cause damaging winds, storm surge, waves, and flooding rains along and near the coast - Heavy rains and the threat of flash floods and mudslides will likely extend inland over central Mexico early to mid next week * Hurricane Irwin - Farther west and offshore than Jova, several hundred miles southwest of the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico, but will move generally to the east in the direction of Mexico the next several days - Strengthening to a major hurricane is not expected, and forecast to weaken early-mid next week - Could also directly affect Mexico next week, possibly making landfall as a tropical storm or maybe a hurricane late week * Surface low south of eastern Mexico - Appears likely to become a tropical depression today or Sunday - Little forward motion expected through the weekend, but should eventually move to the north or northeast - Could make landfall on the Pacific side of northern Central America or southeastern Mexico mid next week WESTERN PACIFIC An area of low pressure southwest of Guam appears likely to become a new tropical depression sometime this weekend. It will probably strengthen while heading generally westward, and it could directly affect the Philippines starting Monday night or Tuesday U.S. time.

Sent from Christine's iPhone 4.
"Peace"

The Exodus from Jamaica

2011-09-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

Some 260 Jews sent to refugee camp in Jamaica during World War II spent three years in paradise while their relatives were murdered in concentration camps. One mystery remains: Are any of them still alive?

David Regev

Published:

09.11.11, 10:57 / Israel Jewish Scene

SOURCE: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4113958,00.html

Shahar Bar couldn’t believe his eyes. On a dusty carton bag, between the shelves loaded with material on the activities of the Joint during the Holocaust, he saw one word: "Jamaica." Unsurprisingly, his first thought was that the file ended there by mistake. "Jamaica reminds me of Bob Marley," he says. "What does the Holocaust have to do with Jamaica?"

But a peek into the file revealed a treasure: The unknown rescue story of 260 Jews who were rescued from bleeding Europe in 1942, in the middle of World War II, and sent to a camp in Jamaica. They spent three years there, dealing with the tropical weather and kashrut problem and mainly with idleness in the faraway golden cage while their relatives were murdered in concentration camps.

At the end of the war the camp was dismantled, and its refugees were scattered all over. A rare documentation remained in the Joint archive and is revealed here for the first time. It tells the unbelievable story of the transfer from the European hell to a Caribbean country with white beaches and reddish sunsets. One mystery remains: Where did the Jews who spent three years of their life in the camp go to? And are any of them still alive?

Pictures with smiles

"Together with the Polish refugees in Lisbon, whose documents were found to be invalid and were given an ultimatum, was also Dr. Shlichter, a surgeon from Brussels who escaped the Gestapo through the skin of his teeth. He sent on behalf of all of us a telegram to Winston Churchill for his birthday and asked him for help.

A day before the end of the ultimatum, the response arrived: The British government will send the refugees to a colony in Jamaica, where they'll be able to live as free citizens!

"When the list of refugees whose request to immigrate was approved arrived, we suffered a heavy blow. My two brothers couldn't join, as the exiled Polish government demanded that they join the Anders Army. My mother knew she would never see them again, and a year later she became ill from grief. Immediately after the war she died in New York."

The testimony of Miriam Stanton, who arrived in Jamaica at the age of 28, is the most detailed document on the refugees' life in the camp, which was built in the summer of 1940 on a sugar orchard outside the capital of Kensington. She shared her memoirs with the British Library as part of a project recording the testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

Bar, a 30-year-old archivist and a history MA student in charge of categorizing the Joint's material, encountered the story by chance, following a request from one of the families inquiring on the fate of its loved ones after 70 years.

It all began in November 1941. Some 500 Polish Jews were staying in Lisbon, Portugal – one of the only Western countries which still let Jews in. as their visas to the United States were no longer valid, they faced deportation. This meant they would return to the Nazi occupation lands and be sent to the death camps.

About 200 of them decided to ask for the help of the exiled Polish government, and a day before the deportation date they reached an agreement with the British government that would see them evacuated to the Gibraltar Camp in Jamaica, a British colony at the time.

The British government demanded in return that the Jews would fund their stay, and the Joint said it would pay for it. The 200 who were lucky enough to enter the list of the living arrived at the Lisbon port on January 24, 1942, joining some 850 Jewish refugees on a ship making its way to the US, Latin American countries and Cuba.

On February 9, the ship docked at the Kensington port, bringing 157 refugees headed to the Gibraltar Camp. They were later joined by some 100 additional refugees from Luxemburg and the Czech Republic.

"At first we were slightly shocked," testified Stanton. "There was nothing in the rooms apart from blankets, beds, a chair and table, but it was much better than the place we came from. The camp manager introduced himself at the dining hall and said he hoped we would be comfortable. There was a hospital there with doctors and nurses."

Later, she testified, the refugees asked for books, newspapers and a radio – and received them. "The food wasn't bad either. There were fresh vegetables. We asked for fish and got kosher food as well. We prayed at the Sephardic synagogue established by the Joint in the camp, and we had a sense of acceptance and embrace."

The spacious camp was built in a valley surrounded by hills with palm trees. Immediately after their arrival, the Jews received their own compound, and the photos found in the archive document their routine: A group of young Jewish girls in white dresses playing ball; a synagogue with the Holy Ark; refugees around the long dining room tables.

A stranger looking at the smiles in the pictures would think that these were vacationers at a village hotel rather than war refugees. But the pastoral landscape and the smiles hid quite a few tensions. In order to prevent friction with the local population, the Jewish refugees were forbidden to work or live outside the boundaries of the camp.

A representative of the exiled Polish government in Cuba, who visited the camp on December 1943, was under the impression that the refugees were in good condition but that "the work prohibition sends many of them into a life of boredom and depression, and therefore they seek to immigrate as soon as possible."

It was also reported that 20 religious refugees refused to eat meat due to the shortage of kosher meat.

In April 1944, some 55 of the camp's Jewish refugees had yet to receive an immigration visa. Two months later, a harsh epidemic erupted.

"On the day before the invasion to Normandy we woke up sick," said Stanton. "We woke up with a fever and a red rash and depression. People cried. There were some who said we should have stayed in Europe. The fear was of typhus and we were quarantined for six weeks. It was very boring."

Blood tests conducted on the refugees revealed that it was Dengue fever. "The small stream at the margins of the camp was filled with mosquito, and these thousands of small and clever creatures were very fond of our European blood and passed the disease on to us."

Looking for relatives

The camp was dismantled at the end of World War II, and the few Jews remaining there scattered all over. Testimonies and documents found later on reveal that most of them immigrated to South American and to the United States and a small number of them reached Europe. It's unclear if any of them immigrated to Israel.

Ever since discovering the box, Bar is restless and continues to search for additional testimonies, and mainly for someone who stayed alive. Stanton died six years ago at the age of 91, but the Joint has not despaired and is trying to locate the last residents of the camp or their offspring. "We want to tell them about the lives of the parents in Jamaica and what they did for them," says the organization's CEO Amnon Mantver.

One of the only means left to do so is one document, simple but moving: A list of 137 families which stayed in the camp. These are the names of the people looking out from the photos, only there's no one to say who is who. Are any of them still alive? Do their grandchildren know that they spent the war years in a sunny Caribbean country which gave them life.

My Old Letters Copy 1- How dancehall nurtures violence

2011-08-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

LETTER OF THE DAY - How dancehall nurtures violence
published: Friday | February 2, 2007

The Jamaica Gleaner

The Editor, Sir:

My brother told me a story about a young boy, about 11 years old, who was walking along the street in a quiet community in rural Jamaica. The young boy was 'DJing' at the top of his voice a dancehall song about unloading his glock into someone else. He knew every word and accompanied the lyrics with the 'cocking' and 'shoot' action using his fingers. He may not know how to read but he could sing - the music is his education.

The dancehall artistes and some in the media would like to play down the influence that their music and behaviour have on the impressionable minds of young Jamaicans, but in reality, they are hurting our people and our country when they normalise violence in this way.

Jamaican dancehall music could be viewed as one of an organised set of values that influences behaviour, that is common to the criminal elements in Jamaican society through the messages of violence and the glorification of the gun promoted in the lyrics of certain dancehall songs, in addition to the public and hateful behaviour that some dancehall artistes display towards each other.

Dancehall music has a powerful influence in Jamaica, it is heard everywhere and the dancehall in itself is a culture of music, clothing, personalities and dance that is embraced by many in the country. Dancehall music tells a story of life as it is experienced by the masses, and the more successful songs will have piercing lyrics and an infectious rhythm. Dancehall music is a phenomenon that flies under the radar as entertainment but is much more than that.

There are messages in the music; it is a social commentary, it is encoded with instructions on how to live and how to survive in the world. It is encoded with the message of how to react when harmed, who to trust and who to avoid. It is not just entertainment, it is an instruction manual on life, delivered by a charismatic, energetic and influential personality, the dancehall artiste, and packaged in a thumping, pulsating rhythm that has the potential to heighten adrenaline levels. Moreover, it is available to everyone.

Believe me, it is influential, the dancehall artiste is powerful and the lyrics contribute to perpetuating the culture of violence and is hurting us. We need changes from the grass-roots level - be responsible, preach peace instead of war and try to live in harmony with each other. You have an example to set.

I am, etc.,

C.P. LEE

Florida

Via Go-Jamaica

Katia

2011-08-30T03:26:00.001-07:00

Aug 30, 5:36 AM EDT

Sent from Christine's iPhone 4.

Tropical Storm Katia forms in the Atlantic

MIAMI (AP) -- Tropical Storm Katia has formed and is moving quickly across the Atlantic.

Katia has maximum sustained winds early Tuesday near 40 mph (65 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says strengthening is forecast and Katia is expected to be near hurricane strength by late Wednesday or early Thursday.

The storm's forecast track shows it could become a major hurricane over the weekend.

Katia is centered about 535 miles (855 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and is moving west-northwest near 17 mph (28 kph). Hurricane specialist Michael Brennan says Katia could affect the Caribbean, but it's too early to tell if it will hit the U.S.

The storm's name replaces Katrina in the rotating storm roster because of the catastrophic damage from the 2005 storm.

"Peace"

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2011-08-26T16:27:00.001-07:00

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Hurricane Irene's Impacts

Hurricane Irene is a strong hurricane & she is bearing down on NC this evening. She will cause widespread damage from NC up through Maine. 6-12 inches of rain will cause major flooding, hundreds of thousands will lose power.

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2011-08-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

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Three Strikes Possible From Major Hurricane Irene

It is very likely that Hurricane Irene wills strike NC as a Cat 3 storm later this week. In this video we take a look at the latest data and talk about who is at greatest risk. There is an increasing risk of a New England Hurricane This Weekend.

You can find the complete Hurricane Tracker app in the iTunes app store simply by searching "Hurricane Tracker"

DISCLAIMER: Our unique video storm updates are NOT the official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the forecaster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution. Please refer to the official NHC and NWS products. More

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Social Media and the Potential for Peaceful Protest and Positive Change in Jamaica

2011-08-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Christine Lee

‎"People a bawl ova Dem lite bill" Watching the social media and Jamaica on the "black out Friday" initiative launched against the JPS.

57 minutes ago via mobile · Privacy:Friends · LikeUnlike ·

First I followed a Facebook friend and liked a Facebook page called JPS Bills Are Too High! Then I updated my status to the statement above. As a thinking person it did not take long for my thoughts to start drifting and I realize that like many other places, this social media ‘craze’ is infiltrating and has great potential to make a positive difference in my small country. I started recognizing this last year, during the Tivoli/Dudus incident when a grassroots news agent in Jamaica created a Facebook page relying on its members as citizen reporters who would tell the news as they see it happening. The Facebook page of this news agent exploded as people joined and reported. That was powerful. It was not long before discussion groups, Facebook pages and twitter accounts became devoted to campaigning for a better Jamaica and people from within Jamaica and the Diaspora were responding to the campaigns.

IN THE WORDS OF MY MOTHER: Lucille Lee, J.P., Maggotty, St. Elizabeth:“The high cost of energy has been a crippling factor for many businesses and must be addressed with a great sense of urgency…”
Source: “Wish List For Chris Tufton”-Jamaica Gleaner, July 21, 2011

Today, there is a social media drive that Jamaicans should wear something black to protest against the rising cost of electricity bills and the stronghold that the utility company the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has over the pockets of the Jamaican people. I know that when I lived in Jamaica people were complaining about their electricity bill but I wonder if this latest campaign will be different. Are people’s pockets finally “bussing” at the seams? Has the monopolistic hubris and total disregard for people’s pain displayed by the JPS finally gotten unbearable? Is the social media just an easy place to throw out an idea and see how it flies through cyberspace? Or are Jamaicans ready and willing to protest in non-traditional, albeit, non-violent ways?

I ask that last question because I know that the social media offers a new way of protest that Gandhi could not have envisioned when he promoted non-violence. It is a way to mobilize people, share ideas, share a common concern and plot an action to effect a change, virtually. It is quiet, it has peaceful intentions and it has proven to be effective in at least one popular presidential election campaign, the ousting of governments (a virtual coup d’état) and disaster outreach programs. Could this work in Jamaica a country where the traditional form of protest involves burning things (buildings, tires, garbage etc.), blocking roads, using children, women and even dogs to hold placards and chant “weird” sometimes “shocking” statements and even using violent means to send a message and make a point. Could this work in a country with a rich history of more aggressive than passive resistance, rebellion and revolt? These ‘traditional’ forms of protest over the years have a good track record of achieving the protestor’s objectives, I would say about 75% of the time. Back in the early 90’s my small community of Maggotty wanted telephone lines, they blocked the roads and a few months after land phone was ringing all over Maggotty. Who can forget the 1999 gas riots in Jamaica? On another note, lest not forget that only about 55% of the Jamaican population has access to the internet (ITU, 2010), therefore, this social media ‘thing’ is only a craze to a sector of a little over half the population.

Lately, there has been some evidence that people are logging on, looking in and becoming citizen activists for a better Jamaica. The media and social media in particular has the indelible power to take an idea or a campaign and broadcast it globally to effect immediate change or at least call attention to a problem. Most recently, a humble fellow in the countryside of St. Thomas, with a strange “twang” was able to call attention to the demise of his community when it rains heavily, the river “come dung” and “nobaddy canna crass it” because there is no bridge. I believe the latest report I heard is that the community may soon have a bridge.

So who knows what will happen today dubbed “black out Friday” the protest against the Jamaica Public Service? I admire this campaign; my only concern about it is whether it was a great idea to ask people to wear black on a hot day in a tropical country? I know that many who may join in this campaign and wear black may work in cool AC fed offices, but what happens if the JPS cut off the light and you have no fan and no AC who suffers then? I think that would be the person dressed in the piece of black clothing. Good Luck, my people!

Traditional Jamaican Medicines- The Guinea-Hen Weed

2011-08-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: October 24, 2015- My Testimony

Last year I decided that for my 40 something birthday I would gift myself a mammogram. It was my first time and it was an uncomfortable experience. A couple of days after the screening I received a call from the Dr., she told me that there was a small spot on my breast that they will need to a second mammogram to determine what it could be. She assured me that it could be nothing and I should not panic. Well, I was concerned and decided that for the next 7 days to the 2nd appointment I would take a shot glass full of the Guinea hen weed (GHW) that I have been soaking in a corner for a few months. My mother had set the bottle up for me but I never really paid it much attention. I knew what people said GHW was good for and if there was ever a time to "test" it that time was now.
After a week of GHW consumption I returned to the clinic for my follow up appointment. Needless to say, the results came back clean. I know there were many prayers but the GHW must have played a part also. Since then, I have taken 1 shot glass full of the GHW in wine up to two times per week as preventative care.
Below you will find my original post, from August 2011 about this amazing herb. I have also included our latest video.

AUGUST 2011

This morning I was on the phone with my mother and she asked if I could check something on the "web" for her. Of course, being the devoted daughter I am, I complied. She told me that ever since she was a child her grandmother would use "Guinea-hen root" and she has continued its use.

She wanted to learn more about it. I used the power of google and the "web" and this is what I found. An article by Dr. Tony Vendryes.

I know my mother also has a bottle at home with the root soaked in rum. I can testify to using it to ease the pain associated with a headache and also mosquito bites. If you have had any encounter with this herb and would like to share your experiences, your comments are welcome.

The pictures were not included in the article but were found online and insert by me.

Herb hero - Guinea hen weed packed with power

Anamu is a herb that is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and the tropical areas of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Africa. Its botanical name is Petiveria alliacea, but in Jamaica, it is known as guinea hen weed, guinea hen leaf, garlic weed or gully root.

Anamu has a long history in herbal medicine in all the countries where it grows. Herbalists and natural-health practitioners have traditionally used anamu for a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, infections, diabetes, cancer, for pain relief, and to induce abortion.

Over the past quarter of a century, however, modern scientific research has studied anamu intensively. Many biologically active compounds have been discovered in anamu: flavanoids, triterpenes, steroids, and sulphur compounds. The research published on anamu now validates many of the historical uses of this herb.

Interestingly, the researchers found that of the 20 compounds isolated from the plant - several of which had never been identified in nature before - some were similar to compounds found in garlic, a plant known to have medicinal properties.

CANCER INHIBITOR

Laboratory investigations show that anamu retards the growth of several strains of cancer and leukaemia cells. In a plant-screening programme performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, over 1,400 plant extracts were evaluated for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Anamu was one of only 34 plants identified with active properties against cancer.

How does anamu work against cancer? Several phytochemicals in anamu like astilbin and dibenzyl trisulphide have been documented to directly kill cancer cells. Research showed further that the compounds in anamu were able to differentiate between normal cells and cancer cells, killing only the cancerous cells. In addition, other substances in the herb stimulate the body's natural defences as described below.

BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM

Anamu has also been verified to have immunostimulant properties. It stimulates the immune system to increase its production of lymphocytes and natural killer cells - powerful disease-destroying cells. At the same time, it increases the production of interferon and interleukins - chemicals used by the immune systemin fighting cancers and infections.

FIGHTS INFECTIONS

It demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against numerous bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. Compounds in anamu directly kill and/or inhibit the growth of these germs. Interestingly, man medicine practitioners believe that infection plays a major role in many cancers. Anamu is widely used in folk medicine for treating infections.

PAIN RELIEVER

Its traditional use as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism has been validated by clinical research that confirms its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. Researchers in Sweden demonstrated its COX-1 inhibitory properties (cyclo-oxogenase-1 inhibitors are a new class of popular and profitable arthritis drugs). Anamu extracts have been found to relieve pain and inflammation even when applied topically to the skin.

LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR

While anamu had not been widely researched for diabetes, it has been documented to lower blood-sugar levels by more than 60 per cent in laboratory animals. This reflects herbal medical practice in Cuba where anamu has been used as an aid for diabetes for many years.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Anamu has been found to cause contractions of the uterus that can lead to abortion and miscarriage. As such, it should not be used by pregnant women.

Anamu contains a low concentration of a blood thinner called coumadin. People with any bleeding disorder like haemophilia or who are on blood-thinning medication should consult their health-care provider before using anamu.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

I recommend using organically grown anamu herb, free of insecticides, herbicides and other pollution.

One heaping tablespoonful of the whole powdered anamu plant is diffused in one litre of hot water. The resulting tea is drunk preferably on an empty stomach. An average dosage is four ounces (about half a cup) twice daily.

MY EXPERIENCE

I was introduced to anamu by a Jamaicanoncologist (a cancer specialist) who had seen good results in some of her patients with the use of this herb. I thank her for her generous spirit. I had also heard impressive stories from Jamaican men with prostate cancer who had benefited from its use.

After doing my own research, I now use it regularly in my practice and find it to be a useful, safe, inexpensive addition to a cancer treatment programme as well as in the treatment of the other conditions listed above.

REMINDER & WARNING

Many persons are desperately looking for a quick fix: a magic bullet that will miraculously cure their illness. The reality is that there is no quick fix. Like so many useful herbs, anamu will give optimal results when combined with optimal nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, detoxification, stress management and adequate restful sleep. It must be a part of a programme of healthy lifestyles. It may also be used along with conventional medicines. If you have a serious medical condition, do not self-medicate without the assistance and guidance of a qualified health practitioner.

Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, log on to www.anounceofprevention.org, or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.

I take this personal. News like this is not good at all.

2011-08-12T04:20:00.001-07:00

News

Migrant criminals drifting to St Elizabeth
Jamaica Observer

Migrant criminals drifting to St Elizabeth

BY GARFIELD MYERS Editor-at-Large, South Central Jamaica
Thursday, August 11, 2011

BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth — CHIEF of police in St Elizabeth, Superintendent Maurice Robinson is urging residents of the parish to "come forward and give information" on criminals from elsewhere, whom he says are now in the parish in "significant" numbers.

Robinson told Observer West that most of the "migrant criminals" had drifted to St Elizabeth from St James, St Catherine, Clarendon, Westmoreland, and Manchester. He said "information/intelligence" reaching the police suggested they were behind the "majority of murders and robberies in the parish..."

In the context of the wider Jamaica, St Elizabeth is routinely considered a low-crime area but for locals it is a major concern.

Statistics provided by the Planning Institute of Jamaica shows that in 2010 there were 21 murders in the parish down from 30 the previous year.

Robinson said that trends thus far this year indicated the murder figure for 2011 in St Elizabeth could be higher than last year with "three more murders up to June" compared to the same period in 2010.

He said many of the criminals migrating to St Elizabeth, especially those from St James, were involved in lotto scams and had "taken root" in the Maggotty and Santa Cruz areas.

Available information suggested that increased competition among scammers in St James had resulted in some choosing to move to "quieter" and more rural areas such as St Elizabeth.

In a bid to "flush out criminals and bring them to book" the St Elizabeth police were executing special operations across the parish, Robinson said.

In one such operation, last Friday night, St Elizabeth police "engaged a group of gunmen in Maggotty and it is believed that a reputed gangster from Granville in St James was shot and injured", the St Elizabeth police chief said.

"Aggressive road policing in specific areas", would be an ongoing strategy as well, he continued.

Noting that the police were concerned at the considerable number of illegal guns now circulating in the parish, Robinson urged residents to exercise "greater care and awareness" of their surroundings and to always keep the police informed of anything or anyone that may appear out of place in their communities.

Against a backdrop of robberies being reported in some towns, particularly Santa Cruz and Junction, Robinson said business operators needed to recognise that the environment had changed.

"Many people seem to think that because this is St Elizabeth, certain crimes can't happen here, but the truth is things have changed. The towns of Santa Cruz and Junction particularly have seen significant growth in residential population and commercial entities, and people need to take into consideration the emerging and changing crime trends," said Robinson.

He is reminding business operators that the police are available to assist with the movement of cash over short distances "at no cost". Everyone, he said, needed to be more aware and cautious.

The bottom line, he said, is that "the residents of the parish must come to grips with the reality that organised crime is alive and well in the parish and that St Elizabeth can't isolate itself from the rest of the country. We all have to join hands in this fight against criminality".

From My Kitchen to Your Tastebuds- Virtually. Happy Independence Day!!

2011-08-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

This Video is a slideshow of my favorite Jamaican Food Creations and a few others. ENJOY!!!

Happy 49 years Jamaica! This year as we celebrate the 49th year of our independence from the British it should be a time of reflection on where we are as a nation and as a people. We have come a long way but there is still so much more to achieve.

Music: Jolly Boys- Take me to Jamaica

STAY STRONG!!! KEEP THE FAITH!!! and remember EVERYTHING IRIE!!!

Peace and Love

Chris