Glitches Yet No Shame in the Government’s Game

The visit of US president, Barack Obama was indeed a significant moment in Jamaica’s history. Though many other persons of international stature have graced our island paradise, I believe that hosting Barack Obama can be regarded as the most remarkable. However, while we’re still basking in the euphoria of the moment that was, let us not overlook the blunders that heralded his arrival. Notwithstanding the fact that the Government had a right to prepare for his visit, I believe they went way overboard and in doing so neglected us citizens and made gaffes where they shouldn’t have been. Why on Earth can’t our Government just do things appropriately?

First there was the announcement by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) that Obama would be paying a ‘STATE’ visit to Jamaica; this was said twice. It leaves many to wonder if there’s still a protocol/information office(r) at Jamaica House and if they know the difference between a state, official, private and/or working visit? These distinctions might seem trivial; however, they’re not as they indicate levels of modernism and developmental sophistication. So as simple as it may appear, that was a huge blunder made by the OPM.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, the OPM made another blunder when they announced the wrong date! Seriously? First, it was the 8th of April then a day later, we were told the 9th. This left the ordinary Jamaican questioning whether or not Obama was really coming. Then when the date of his visit was clear, another press release issued by the same office noted that Obama would depart Jamaica for Panama to participate in the 6th summit of the Americas when factually, the summit is in its 7th year. Ooops! Yet another blunder! Whoever is the communications/PR officer at Jamaica House ought to step up his/her game…..get the facts before divulging incorrect information!

Next was the incompetent ‘information’ minister, Sandra Falconer who failed miserably in providing citizens with information regarding Obama’s visit. Am I only one who realizes that her state of aggression at press briefings has now become a norm? Her pouplar line: I’m afraid I can’t address that issue at the moment is apparently set on replay. Falconer is proving to be too complacent in her position and I believe that someone with a more suave character should be promoted.

In the same breadth, the poor vendors at Heroes Circle while happy that Obama was coming got the bitter end of the stick as they watched their means of livelihood demolished as a security measure. Since the vendors posed a security threat, why didn’t the KSAC hold discussions with the vendors to explain and gain their help in their temporary relocation? Is this how we treat the people who have placed Jamaica on the world-stage? Keep in mind, it’s not the politicians who have made this country so popular on the map; it’s our musicians, athletes, craft vendors, and of course the so-called ghetto people.

Then they cleared all the homeless people from the streets. Why didn’t they provide a shelter for them all this time, why now? I do hope, wherever they had housed them for Obama’s visit that they’ll remain there and won’t be thrown back on the streets.

What our Government has failed to realize is that Obama is not oblivious to the slackness, injustices and poverty that exist in various countries; he knows how ordinary people live and survive.

Then there was the information fallouts and last minute notification to businesses in New Kingston and other commercial areas of the city. Why did the advisory not come out earlier? Why didn’t Sandra Falconer, our information minister notify business owners that their businesses would have to be closed? It was announced in Jamaica on March 17, 2015 that the President would be coming; citizens of Panama were advised from April 1, 2015 of road closures, etc. yet our local authorities waited until two days before his coming to notify us of road closures.

In preparing for Obama’s visit, politics based on incompetence took center stage; common sense, keen political logistics and established diplomatic rules were disregarded, with doubtless embarrassment to Jamaica and its people. While I had no expectations for everything to be impeccable; such unprofessional and inept conduct speaks volume as to the kind of leadership that exists here. So they (the Government) brag on successfully passing the ‘Obama Hospitality Test’ not realizing the blunders made and how much we Jamaicans were disrespected. While other countries are getting it right, we aren’t and that is why its so difficult for us to move from a third-world to first-world country.

I am the Laydee Sharmz saying think on these things….

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