The associated report below May invite a good reading.
Article: Microsoft identifies more than 40 organizations targeted in massive cyber breach
Listen to her description of her symptoms and circumstances. Is it time to abolish the idea that people should only be tested if they have elevated temperature as part of their symptoms?
Arvel Grant
Public Health and International Development Specialist
Article: ‘I’m 9 months into this nightmare’: Covid-19 long-hauler
Perhaps this couple does not look like most of my readers in this broadcast group.
However, I believe their testimony on experiences with the covid virus vaccine, is most relevant, since the Caribbean and much of the world will be taking this or similar vaccines within the next three (3) to twelve (12) months.
Article: Couple shares experience during Moderna vaccine trial
One of the truly great liberation struggles of the past 100 or so years, is the campaign by (mostly) reggae artists out of Jamaica, to “spring” the ganja plant from political and judicial incarceration. In the 1930s, when the Rastafari religion, emerged in Jamaica, embracing ganja as the basis of its holy sacrament, Jamaica’s first indigenous religion, laid the foundations for ganja’s cultural war of liberation, against establishment “Babylon”. A cultural war of attrition, which raged for almost a century before its first battles were won. Not on the streets, but in parliaments.
Indeed, the well-known ganja anthem, “Legalize It” continues to reverberate around the world (backed by the powerful Jamaican reggae genre. With an unmistakable presence on YouTube and other music streaming platforms. Increasingly, it is becoming clear (to national and international authorities) that ganja is an innocent member of the flora kingdom, harmless as a bush, unless provoked.
So, the centers of power (Cabinets, Parliaments and now the UN) are retreating from a mostly fruitless war of attrition, with a plant which has become endemic to many parts of the world. Innocent ganja having traveled (on an indentured boat) to the Caribbean from India.
As “The weed” is (finally) escaping “high security prisons” around the World, many governments are plotting to reap big bounties off its head. They are betting that the liberated herb will be a big money spinner. Reflecting a generally flawed understanding of what the weed means to people at street-level.
For the foreseeable future (like sugar cane and banana), ganja will remain an important subsistence agricultural output, to many small farmers. At another level, the weed will always be special to those who believe in its: spiritual, medicinal, and recreational merits. For ganja is most potent as a cultural icon, not so much as a consumer product.
While understanding governments aiming to sell ganja and ganja rights, (like sugar and banana) ganja will only enrich businesses and countries, positioned to achieve and market significant value-added from the humble herb. For those reasons, it is my considered opinion that, ganja’s most potent contribution to many developing economies, will continue to be at the level of the unofficial market, until customs and excise charges on imports of Ganja products start flowing in to national treasuries.
As part of that “grey economy”, mid-level criminals will continue to take risk with moving semi processed ganja, to metropolitan societies, until:
• The weed is universally free, devaluing ganja in its primary form, like sugar cane and banana.
• And a trading regime is agreed, allowing international shipment of ganja and ganja products, using official transportation systems backed by international banks and insurance companies.
Even then, only those companies and countries with the ability to industrialize and refine ganja and market exciting new products, will reap big profits and significant fiscal rewards.
In the meantime, I expect that big criminal enterprises will (gradually merge their ganja interests into the officially licensed ganja market. Over time, ganja will (gradually) leave the streets, and take its regular and beneficial place: in the hearts and minds of the people and on the agenda of corporate board meetings, cabinets and parliaments.
Article: “The UN removes cannabis from a list of the most dangerous substances”
Walk good until next time.
Arvel Grant
Political and Current Affairs Analyst
Firstly, it must be taken as a fact (beyond any doubt) that the accused is innocent, until proven guilty and that the alleged victim has every right to have her day in court. Furthermore, the Minister now arrested and charged (having regard for the possible nature of the case) the matter is sub judice.
When former Speaker, Dame Giselle Isaac and radio personality, Algernon “Serpent” Watts, were arrested following a probe (perhaps) inspired by Honourable Michael Browne, the edict “innocent until proven guilty” was assumed. To good effect, for both: Isaac and Watts were vindicated by the courts.
None or all of the above, should obscure the fact that there are relevant and compelling issues of, civics, politics and transparency in Government, that must be fully ventilated, if democratic societies, are to benefit from these types of developments.
For “Once upon a time” it would have been unthinkable (in Antigua-Barbuda) that:
• A woman who feels that a serious crime has been committed against her person, by a member of Cabinet, would have the courage and character to report the matter to the police, confident that her case would be taken seriously.
• Any police high command would “pass its place” to speak to the minister about the matter (let alone) arrest a member of cabinet and charge the accused with a serious crime.
• Furthermore, it would be unthinkable, that a Prime Minister would declare in “the court of public opinion” that if a Minister is arrested, the accused must leave Cabinet until vindicated.
All watched over by an increasingly: inquisitive, ubiquitous and powerful media landscape.
Is it (therefore) reasonable, for us to begin (cautiously) believing that Antigua-Barbuda, may be entering a more transparent era in the way it does politics and governance? I really mean, cautiously! Because a code of conduct (enforced by a governing party, is about as good as the word of its political leader. perhaps, vanishing once the leader leaves office.
“I kid you not” there are (some) on both sides of the political divide, who remain deeply skeptical of the more transparent stance being advanced by PM Gaston Brown, in certain of these matters. Surely, such doubters must fear the newly assertive tendencies of the police and prosecutorial services???
And that takes me to the essence of this piece. Unless Antigua-Barbuda enshrines (internationally accepted best practices) of good governance ethics in our statute and (eventually) constitution; we run the risk of these moments of glimpses into what should be, becoming just that, moments of rare glimpses.
It should never be that: A change in political leadership or a change of party in government, pushes back the hands of time. So that the ordinary men and women in society, continue believing that political, religious and business elites can do all manner of unlawful, amoral and evil things, without just and timely interventions by: their line managers, the police and the courts.
Prime Ministers, A former Minister of Education, Police Commissioners and DPP’s to one side.
When one thinks about this case, it is easy to conjure-up a scene in which the ancestral spirits of Isaac and Watts, are “dancing on their graves” in broad daylight and singing “back to back, belly to belly, we don’t care a damn he done charge already”.
Or is it that “The God of Isaac and Watts, does hear the cry of its people and answers their prayers?”. If so, the God of Michael Browne, and his accuser must be listening and taking copious notes.
Walk good until next time,
Arvel Grant, Political and Current Affairs Analyst
No pun intended, “dale” is a valley in Northern England and Philmore is a Christian Rock band which played in Tulsa in the 1990’s. How apt that they came together in this (perhaps) Antigua’s worst November floods in modern times. For floods enjoy valleys and the flooded (often) need divine intervention.
Without the benefit of modern political radars, and up-to-date disaster tracking “spy-wear”; Dale and Philmore could hardly have been destined for a more hair-raising brush with members of Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet, mulling their options, under pressure from, wet and angry (COVID-stressed) constituents. For the unexpected arrival of Cabinet might have been no less a surprise to the two disaster gurus, than was the November floods. When it rained “cats and dogs” it stampedes political animals. This November floods did both.
In reality, COVID “knot-up the nation’s thread-bag” so bad. So any equipment and staffing destined for the Meteorological Office, may remain off-radar for a while. Furthermore, although floods are free, relief is not; causing Philmore many a sigh and “nods”. Amidst all that, some political mathematicians, like the equation: COVID wants + flooding needs = excessive demands.
But Gaston (not the hurricane, the PM) should go easy on the “pair”. For whatever Dale thinks, meteorology is as much applied science as it is an art. Applied science or art, the girls and guys at Antigua and Barbuda’s Met Office, get it right more than nine out of ten times.
We should be very concerned with the likely nods and sighs, taking place, as the timeless rhythms of Philmore seeks to soothe worries about shortages of relief supplies. Hoping that:
- The Red Cross and Salvation Army will get help from their international networks to fill any void and build stock-pile.
- Although Fidel is gone, Cuba is still there for us. And
- With Trump in the departure lounge, Madura will feel generous again.
- With Boris and Britain in COVID jail, any hope that a British frigate will take a shore break?
What a hurricane season! Hardly a breeze in the city, but “Laad jack” water more than flour! This COVID (now) flooding thing, have us a kind a way.
Don’t laugh Barbuda. We are still family. If it gets worst next disaster, we coming over there.
Walk good until next time.
Arvel Grant, Political and Current Affairs Analyst
While the opposition People’s United Party (PUP) was led into the general elections by it’s experienced Political Leader; The governing National Democratic Party faced the electorate with new leadership. Belize’s Electoral and Boundaries Commission, estimates an 80% turnout.
Former Prime Minister Dean Barrow, having served his mandatory three terms, and former PM Said Musa, having retired his parliamentary seat, on account of a stroke; left the doors open for both major political parties to offer new prime ministerial leadership.
Rising numbers of COVID cases, declining economic activities and the governing NDP’s attempts to pass an equal rights bill (including gay rights provisions) may have been the “teeth” in this bite.
On the face of such a ferocious defeat, it appears that COVID’s honeymoon with sitting governments may be coming to an end. Unless a sitting Prime Minister has the political “midas touch” of a Ralph Gonsalves. That being the case, all governments contemplating general elections during this COVID era, may wish to prepare for trial by virus, as part of the, political obstacle course.
Walk good, until next time.
Arvel Grant, Political and Current Affairs Analyst
Reuters Article: “COVID vaccine breakthrough raises hopes, poses logistical headache”
This COVID-19 vaccine requires cold chain logistics capable of storage at minus 70° c – equivalent the temperature during Arctic Winters.
Are Caribbean Governments ready to: receive, store, transport and administer equitably?
Or will we have to join the back of the line?
50 million doses will be produced by end of this year.
1.5 billion doses to be produced by end of 2021.
First in line to receive their shots will be front line workers.
I understand that the front line workers will be followed by people most at risk, including persons over 65, and the individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Ministers of Health, it is time to crank-up and let loose, the legendary primary care systems of which we Caribbean people are very proud.
Arvel Grant
Public Health and International Development Specialist
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Categories
THE RULE OF MIDDAY JANUARY 2020
My dear readers,
In case you have not seen this as yet, I draw it to your attention, without prejudice one way or another. If it is an accurate account, I believe it, tangentially, in the public’s interest.
On March 4th, 1801, The 2nd President of the United States, John Adams refused to hand over office to his main rival at the 1800 election, Thomas Jefferson. The rule of midday January 20 had not been written yet. Despite his stubbornness, THE OFFICE SIMPLY LEFT HIM!
After Thomas Jefferson was sworn in at an event which the incumbent refused to attend, The White House staff started to remove The President’s belongings from The White House (Adams was the first president to reside at the new official residence). All security organs cut all official communication. All presidential staff stopped taking instructions from Adams – THE OFFICE MOVED.
From that time all incumbents at The White House prepare early to leave in-case they see signs of losing to avoid humiliation by the independent organs of state (The Military, The secret Service, The CIA, FBI and all White House staff). They all operate under a code – that of serving a man/woman who has carried the WILL of the people at an election.
As soon as Joe Biden clinches the 270 electoral college votes and is officially declared by all returning officers in the states, the following is going to happen:
- The Secret Service divides its attention between the incumbent and the incoming President.
- The CIA begins to brief both (including top secret intelligence which is traditionally reserved for one individual- The Commander in Chief)
- The counter intelligence teams of the CIA which ‘spy’ on The CIA also begin to brief both.
- White House staff begin to prepare to re-do the house in-line with the taste of The President-Elect.
- At midday on January 20, White House staff remove all his belongings from the house and bring in the belongings of the new president (they wait for no one’s instructions).
- The deductions for White House rent on Trump’s salary stops in January.
- The deductions for White House rent begins on Joe Biden’s presidential salary in January.
- Melania Trump stops being the boss of White House on January 20 at midday.
- Dr. Jill Biden becomes the boss of White House on January 20 at midday.
- At midday on January 20, all the power organs of the United States cut official communication with Trump; The Pentagon, The CIA, The FBI, The Attorney General. The Secret Service maintains minimal communication since it is going to guard the ex-president all his life.
- The BEAST and AIR FORCE ONE salute Donald Trump for the last time and move their attention to Joe Biden. The BEAST begins to carry Biden’s blood samples as is the tradition.
Without instructions from any one! It has been so for over 200 years.
Categories
TODAY THE U.S. VOTES!
AND THEY ARE VOTING FOR THE WORLD.
LIKE IT OR NOT, EACH OF US HAS A “HORSE IN THIS RACE”.
If you did not believe it before, you may want to accept it now; “When the US coughs, the World gets a chill”.
So, will it be a “Trump hang-over” or a “Biden drink-out”?
A cautious review of the latest poll numbers in: Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, suggests that Biden could “close the gates (early) before the elephants bolt” .
And even without the “Pennsylvania master key”. It is looking increasingly likely, that it could be an early night.
I agree with the US poll watchers that, if the Democrats gets those 4 states, and keep the 232 electoral college votes won by Senator Clinton, His Excellency, Donald Trump, and the Republicans, could be nursing a very large head-ache come Wednesday. Especially since the Democrats seem to have several paths to victory, even with out those 4.
Having said that, Vice President Biden may wish to keep a good supply of his favorite pain killers close by, just in case the “donkeys” get penned in.
I think I have read about as much as one could reasonably read about the US elections over the past months; and the more I read, the more I get the sense that a good many of the US electors have as good a world view as most of us. Let us see if that is reflected at the polls.
Walk good until next time.
Arvel Grant, Political and Current Affairs Analyst