A wise man , William Simms shared this keen insight about pioneers:
“Genius is the very eye of intellect and the wing of thought; it is always in advance of its time, and is the pioneer for the generation which it precedes.”
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Well, this is a great description of a pioneering woman , named Felicia Persaud.
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FELICIA PERSAUD, CEO
Hard Beat Communications, Inc
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She migrated from Guyana to the US, and through her profession of journalism, she received deep insight into the myriad of challenges faced by immigrants. She has generously given of herself in getting vital information that has been making life changing implication for many.
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Just consider this, she created ‘Immigration Korner,’ after she recognized the need by many Caribbean and other immigrants for correct information on the U.S. immigration laws. The column now appears in several papers including The Amsterdam News and The Haitian Times, in addition to its online home at: www.immigrationkorner.com.
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The column has obtained rave reviews from many immigrants who submit dozens of questions weekly and Persaud’s knowledge on the issue is now sought consistently by many Caribbean radio and local cable television hosts.
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She is a frequent guest on many of the Caribbean and Caribbean American, radio shows and has been quoted on the BBC, CNN, the New York Daily News, the Miami Herald and the Washington Post among other main stream newspapers.
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Well, she is smart enough to know that codifying an issue into law has much sustaining power, so she has set out to ensure recognition of our Caribbean ancestry. She has promoted the introduction of legislation that would afford recognition of our Caribbean ancestry in future census. Here are four reasons you should care about the census.
·Census affects funding in your community
Census data directly affect how more than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and much more.
· Census affects your voice in Congress
Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census is also used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to redistrict state legislatures
· Census affects your representation in state and local government
Census data are used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government.
· Census informs your community’s decisions
The census is like a snapshot that helps define who we are as a nation. Data about changes in your community are crucial to many planning decisions, such as where to provide services for the elderly, where to build new roads and schools, or where to locate job training centers
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It was my privilege to have a conversation with this pioneering woman.
Over the past week, we have been lashed with several emotional hurricanes.
The slaughter of freedom fighters in Iran as symbolized by Neda, the horrific train tragedy in DC and the passing of several celebrity icons have ripped our hearts with a varying category of ferocity dependent on our personal affinity.
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Why? Why ? Why? echo through our hearts. Nothing can fully prepare us for such moments. Few thoughts can steady us , except…
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There is one that I turn to in stormy seasons like this. It comes from a life story that speaks strongly to loss, suffering, grief, hope , and renewal.
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Consider Job . . .
You’ve lost your mules, and donkeys. The thieves made off with them.
Your goat and cows were gone.
Your employees were murdered.
And to top it off, your children were crushed in a freak windstorm . All ten of them were in the local morgue.
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That actually happened. Job got all this news in one short season .
Then it got real personal, as he broke out in boils—from head to toe, like a full dose of adult chicken pox. Talk about having the full barrel of hurricane misfortune with category 5 force inflicting its devastation.
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There was no explanation , no FEMA or national guards, only the cold, chilly silence of heaven. The weight was unbearable for his wife that in her grief and despair she uttered:
“Curse God and die!”
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Somehow through the Vail of tears and pain, and with eyes of faith to see beyond the visible, Job stated,
“Shall we accept only good from God and never adversity?”
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Job grabbed on to a twig of fragile faith, and held on. One of my favorite pastor animate his strength by placing the following words in his mouth.
“GOD IS TOO KIND TO DO ANYTHING CRUEL
TOO WISE TO MAKE A MISTAKE
TOO DEEP TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF.”
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May you been given a faith hearing aid to hear the still small voice of heaven coming with comfort and joy during this stormy season.
.The major activities of this month fall into several categories, namely:
Celebration of our cultures
Recognition of our achievements and stars
Discussion of our political power
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I have waited this long to comment on this recognition for several reasons.
My ambivalence on being bullish on this month is related to how settled we are with just achieving the recognition. Maybe I need some education on how much we have achieved .
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Let me be impolite and state the obvious, CARICOM, the binding Caribbean organization is coming apart like an egg that has been battered before it has been boiled. It is going to take some serious collective investment to ensure that this organization will function as a viable organ of Caribbean power.
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Within the diaspora, there is however a unifying item that is surfacing. It has to do with opportunities at Ivy league schools. The recession is impacting opportunities at these institution. Africans and Caribbean Americans are securing 40% of these positions which is engendering a jaundice feeling.
The 2010 census also provide us in the diaspora with a means of coordinating our efforts to benefit from a Caribbean-American designation.
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Let’s not burquarize our present reality. If we are going to move forward , we will need to clarify our unifying core, and practice a mature competition where we differ. Nothing wrong with friendly competition where we understand the stragetic alliance and history we possess.
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As we enter the final week of June, practice some courage and engage a person from a different Island about what binds us and where you may differ. Please come back and share your findings.
At a recent after dinner stroll, I could not help but notice several men engaged with their kids in ordinary, but meaningful manner. First, I noticed a pile of three parked bikes, followed by a bouncing ball. Yes, this dad was teaching his three daughters soccer. The kids ranged from 3 to 9, and it was marvelous to see him balance their varied skills and interest. A block away, I spotted a nervous dad, teaching his daughter to drive. she was learning how to reverse and park between two vehicles. Talk about a hair removal situation.
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These men are the salt of the earth, doing day in day out the ordinary things to keep their families going. I want you to notice how much advise on being a good father will be spewed around today.
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Contrast this with mother’s day, where women are simply affirmed for their nurturing, sacrificial ways.
Why is this? Some men are just “seed sowers” who do not participate in their children lives. These are not dads, so do not confuse the responsible men with these men.
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Let me take this moment to salute all men whose fathering go beyond the boundaries of the biological sphere.
Join me in saluting the coaches, teachers, deacons, elders, uncles who give of themselves to make a difference in so many lives.
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If he sits in shirt sleeves and suspenders at a ballgame or a picnic, call him ‘Pop‘
If he wheels the baby carriage and carries the bundle meekly, call him ‘Papa‘
If, however, he makes a pal of you when you’re good, and is too wise to let you pull the wool over his loving eyes when you’re not; if moreover you’re quite sure no other fellow you know has quite so fine a father, you may call him ‘Dad‘.
We are always a generation away from losing our legacy.
The story is told about a student struggling at the chalk board under the glare of his teacher. He finally relented with this statement.
“I’m not an underachiever.; you’re just an overexpecter.”
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We fret and worry about our kids as we shepherd them through the tough terrain of the tumultuous teen years.
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Will they retain our bedrock values of spiritual convictions, hard work , deferred gratification, and high educational aspirations?
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We have to compete with new influences for their allegiances.
Well, I decided to get a personal snapshot of three Jam_Nexers (next generation Jamaican from the diaspora) who just completed their high school years.
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It was indeed my privilege to enter into conversation with three outstanding young adults, who was willing to share their experience with those still in high school, and share what made their high school years such a success.
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Remember, success leaves footprints if we just take the time to listen and observe.
Join me in saluting all of our young adults who have kept the focus of the important issues of life and and are planning continued momentum in their life’s journey.
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The Youth of a Nation are the trustees of posterity.
There are several models of leadership. There is elected leadership and then there is leadership that is evident from the moral conviction they bring to the community that precipitate needed change. Mr. Dennis Chung, has journeyed into the path of moral leadership and has written a stellar
that expresses on paper an insightful investigation of instruments of progress in our social, cultural, technical, and political spheres since Independence. If I was his editor, I would make the argument that it should be called “Yard Independence 2.0″.
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The most important item about this book, it is targeted appeal to the average person. Though rich in content, it is not uppitity in delivery. Joe Red Stripe can get a copy and feel easily connected to its message.
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While others focus on our athletics and entertainment achievements, Dennis has been busy examining our historical trends since Independence and looking for needed catapults to propel us into an orbit of greatness.
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One quickly senses he abiding passion for the betterment of Jamaica. Just read the dedication of his fine work:
Dedicated to my son, Dennis Chung Jr, and the children of Jamaica. My dream is to one day see a Jamaica where:
(i) Political views are not divisive.
(ii) All citizens can feel safe at anytime and anywhere in Jamaica to go about their lawful and
productive business.
(iii) Every Jamaican has the opportunity to maximize their education and life potential.
(iv) Jamaica’s, and across the globe, supermarkets and stores are filled with products branded “Made in Jamaica“.
(v) The name Jamaica symbolizes pride in everything it is associated with, not just sports or music.
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We had the recent privilege in discussing Jamaica’s future with Dennis and I came away with a new sense of possibility for our country.
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Here is a man with fierce focus of a Kobe Bryant, and the intellectual strength of a Miles Davis who is willing to take the objective yardstick of accounting metrics to crystalize our dire state. He however does not leave us in misery, but proposes a blueprint to a better day.
Why not pick up a copy and make it a priority of your summer read. Let’s do our homework now, and revisit his solution around Independence day in August with a vigirous discussion. Yes, it does matter.
If you were on a game show, and the word scammer was placed on the electronic board, you would lose if you mentioned Jamaica. Will the rapidly developing scam story chance to our misfortune? Well, we may all about to lose our stellar reputation with the emerging story of scamming.
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I have received hundred of spam correspondences from Africa, and China with some sob story needing my assistance for banking transaction. My Nigerian friends cringe at the stain of the association with such transactions.
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Well, some elements in Jamaica have decided to take this crime to a new level and we are now faced with international eyes glaring at us.
Our Jamaican government is stepping up to the plate in rooting out the corrupting cop elements and are doing joint venture with US agents to track down these criminals. I applaud their proactive posture.
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In an era of tight tourism dollars, incidence like these are coupled to the recent hijacking to engender a hesitation about destination , Jamaica.
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Here is a quote to consider:
Reputation is a jewel which nothing can replace; it is ten thousand times more valuable capital than your diamonds.
Edouard Rene Lefebure Laboulaye
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What additional step(s) can we take to remove doubt and restore trust in destination Jamaica?
For students, however, it can be the time of high anxiety as it is a time to make money, visit relatives, and spend serious chill time with friends. With the continuing economic tough times and jobs are scarce. If you have not yet landed a summer job, don’t be disheartened.
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Ever thought of doing an unpaid summer internship?
This spring my daughter was one of 6000 students who applied for such an internship program at the White House. Summer internship provides a basketful of benefits:
One of the biggest rewards from a summer internship is the ability to discover your professional strengths by understanding your personal style and unique skills.
A summer internship provides you with a learning opportunity much different from college tests and quiz. It allows for a hands-on learning experience.
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You can find a professional mentor through an internship.
One of key benefits casually over-looked is the networking possibility. Just think about it. There are two candidates competing for a job. They both look truly capable on paper,But one brings a recommendation from a colleague. It is a no brainer who will get the job.
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By embracing internship opportunities, you can learn how to adapt and contribute on a professional level.
You can use these experiences to strategically decide which types of jobs we would best excel in.
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Given that you are going to spend a majority of your life working, it would help to learn what job context is most pleasant.
Which industry intrigues you?
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There is an internship opening at Jamaica’s premier magazine, JamaicanEats (website) to realize such benefits. We invite applications from undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who are contemplating a career in PR/ marketing. The best thing is that you can work from your home local.
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Applicants should have a fundamental grasp of social Media tools such as Facebook, and Twitter, and a willingness to learn and apply some pioneering capabilities.
The criteria for selection includes the applicant demonstrated commitment to a serious summer learning experience.
This is a 5 hours/week, for 8 week program.
Interested, or know of someone who fits the criteria, send a email to metinkingru@yahoo.com
Application period is through June 26, 2009
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I guarantee your investment will reap rich dividends , and satisfaction of completing a great assignment. You will learn the depth of compensation more rewarding than mere money.
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Please consider the environment before printing this post
On Friday, we received the dreaded news of the latest unemployment pain in the US. The media spun it as bad but better.
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However there is a very telling story beyond the top level data. It has to do with the unemployment rate as a function of education.
The Wall Street Journal did a important break out of the numbers by education. Here are the findings.
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The unemployment rate for workers over 25 years old who haven’t gone beyond high school rose to 10% in May, nearly doubling from 5.2% a year earlier, the government said Friday.
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Among workers who haven’t completed high school, the unemployment rate rose to 15.5%, compared with 8.4% last year.
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By contrast, the jobless rate among those with four-year college degrees was 4.8%, up considerably from 2.3% a year ago, but well below the rate for people with less education.
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Education clearly makes a difference.
If you did not buy into the reality of the above statistics,
Did you know that West Indian Blacks ( AKA , Jamaicans) earn on average 33% more than African Americans? The key factor is not IQ, but
Hard work
Intact families
Fathers involved in child rearing.
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We are clearly in an era of changing opportunities, where we are re-considering many issues. Well, I hope we do not become mentally clouded and undermine the essential fundamentals . Remember, success leaves tracks!
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I have the distinct privilege to interview three outstanding high school grads of Jamaican heritage in the coming week. What would you want to hear from these kids?
There is always some group doing measurement and comparisons.
I must be a sucker for these, and I cannot seem to help myself but to check out how Jamaica is doing in these surveys.
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The development of the 2009 GPI is overseen by an international team of peace experts and is calculated by the Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of the Institute for Economics and Peace, using 2008 data from a wide range of respected sources, including the International Institute of Strategic Studies, SIPRI, the World Bank, various United Nations offices and peace institutes.
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It is endorsed by prominent individuals including Nobel Laureates Martti Ahtisaari, the former President of Finland, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, President Jimmy Carter and Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as individuals from the world of business, including Sir Richard Branson..
The index defines peace as the absence of violence., and uses a series of 23 qualitative, and quantitative indicators to do the measurement. With the global recession, they measured an increase in violent conflict and political instability.
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The expected suspects dominated the bottom of the rankings, namely Iraq, Afgananstian, Somalia, Israel (?), and Sudan. The most peaceful was New Zealand, followed by Denmark, Norway, and Iceland.
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Jamaica ranked 102 in the world, and the US is ranked 83. In the Caribbean /Latin America region, we were 16 out of 23. The most peaceful was Chile, and most violent was Columbia.
