THE PORTMORE WEBSITE NEWSLETTER =============================== Newsletter: Number 18 for 2003 Publication Date: December 18, 2003 Editor: Kennedy Reid Subscribers: 692 Contact: webmaster@portmore.org Alternate Contact: kennedyreid@yahoo.com Web site: http://www.portmore.org Phone: 876-320-REID Note: Please read notices at end of newsletter CONTENTS ======== 1. The Editors Desk. 2. Forum on Funeral Home - Portmore Advisory Council 3. Kiwanis Club of Greater Portmore - Curline Beckford 4. Covenant Community Church - Keith Smith 5. Solid Waste Pollution in Portmore - Melissa Brown 6. Some Ideas and Comments - Cynthia Vaughan 7. SOS follow-up - Mother of Four 8. The Jade Vine - Patricia Smith 9. The Bible, Homosexuality, I choose - Eileen Phillips 10. Portmore Municipality - Wayne Williams 11. Jamaican Christmas at the Pegasus - Kennedy Reid ############################################################ 1. The Editors Desk. ############################################################ Welcome to you all. In particular, I welcome members of the Portmore Advisory Council to this newsletter. The Advisory Council is the Non-political body that works to govern the Portmore Municipality. Sorry I can not be a part of them since I got into politics... but that's life. For me, the Council is a dream come true as I helped to design the idea. I wish them all the best! Last Sunday there were many treats all over Portmore. The Portmore Coral was singing at a church and I was chairing the Christmas treat in 8 West. Our Sunday School kids did very well depicting the nativity scene and I was indeed proud of the work we have been doing on Sundays in the 8 West Feltab Chruch. Also on Sunday was the first Municipal Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It was held by the Edgewater round-about. The tree looks very nice, but the ceremony had much to be desired! It started over an hour late and only a few "official" were on hand. The Mayor lit the tree after a brief speech in which he said that over 11 million dollars was being used to clean the drains in Portmore, there would be a "maintenance" culture developed, the process of staffing the Municipal office has been going slowly, a beautification program is to start in January 2004, Enforcement of covenants in communities will start shortly, and that there would be public hearings into the Municipal Budget soon. He pointed out how hard he has been working meeting with ambassadors and other agents, and that he was just back from a trip abroad. He expressed a demand for more money from Central Government for the Municipality. He wished everyone a peaceful Christmas. Now, enjoy the rest of this newsletter! This newsletter is about Portmore and you are welcome to send information and items to be publicized. ############################################################ 2. Invitation to Forum on Funeral Home - Advisory Council ############################################################ CITIZENS OF PORTMORE THE PORTMORE ADVISORY COUNCIL INVITES YOU TO A PUBLIC FORUM TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED FUNERAL HOME FOR PORTMORE Date: Sunday, December 21, 2003 Time: 7 p.m. Venue: Lion's Centre, Edgewater Round-a-bout Let us share our ideas, Let your voices be heard ############################################################ 3. Kiwanis Club of Greater Portmore - Curline Beckford ############################################################ Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 From: "Curline Beckford" Hi Kennedy: Thank you for the newsletter. I see that you continue to keep people informed about what is happening locally. Could I use your site to post information about activities that the Kiwanis Club of Greater Portmore is undertaking in the community? I am secretary of the club and from time to time the club invites speakers who might be speaking on topics of interest to the community. We would also like to be aware of what the various civic organizations are doing so that we can collaborate with them on some of their projects/activities particulalrly in Greater Portmore. We do not have money but we can assist with project planning, writing and reviewing of proposals and could provide some manpower to implement some community projects. We feel that a lot more can be done if we do it jointly so as to avoid duplication and overlaps. Keep up the good work. Curline Beckford Secretary Kiwanis Club of Greater Portmore ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: Curline Please feel free to send me anything of interest to the people of Portmore and Jamaica. Keep up the good work! All I require in return is that everyone send this newsletter far and wide through Jamaica! I keep your e-mail address prited above so others can write to you. ############################################################ 4. Covenant Community Church - Keith Smith ############################################################ From: "Keith Smith" Subject: Re Change of church location & Tel Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2003 12:38:12 -0500 I am Keith Smith (an elder at the Portmore Covenant Community Church and Board Chairman for the Covenant Commuity Churches). I came across your web site today and noticed in the list of Portmore churches that our church (Portmore Covenant Community Church) has outdated information. This is to advise that effective Sunday December 6th 2003 Portmore Covenant Community Church no longer meets at the Edgewater Commuity Centre but now meets at its own property at 16 Portmore Lane; the following are the new information re address etc: MAILING ADDRESS: Portmore Covenant Community Church 16 Portmore Lane PO Box 58, Bridgeport St. Catherine Jamaica West Indies PASTOR: Dr. Donald Stewart OFFICE TEL NO: 876 939-4119 or 876 939-5337 EMAIL ADDRESS: pccc@cybervale.com CHURCH SERVICE & OFFICE LOCATION 16 Portmore Lane (off the main road that runs from Naggos Head to Cumberland). Rgds Keith Smith Covenant Community Church ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: Elder Keith, Thanks for the notice. I will adjust as soon as I can. I am offline for over a month now so the site is badly outdated. Good to see Covenant on the move. Pastor Steward was my Math teacher in high school... he was good but mi brain did tuff. ############################################################ 5. SOLID WASTE POLLUTION IN PORTMORE - MELISSA BROWN ############################################################ Subject: I NEED UR HELP Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 14:02:53 -0800 DEAR KENNEDY, MY NAME IS MELISSA BROWN AND I AM A STUDENT AT PORTMORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. I AM DOING A COMMUNICATION STUDY INTERNAL ASSESSMENT ON THE TOPIC" WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CAUSES AND EFFECT OF SOLID WASTE POLLUTION IN PORTMORE". I AM HOWEVER HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING INFORMATION FOR MY RESEARCH. I'VE ONLY BEEN LIVING IN PORTMORE SINCE SEPTEMBER AND I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHERE TO GO TO GET THE INFORMATION I NEED. A FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE WEBSITE AND I STUMBLED ON TO SOME OF THE LETTERS YOU'VE RECEIVED AND REPLIED TO. IFD IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE COULD YOU REFFER ME TO ANY OTHER WEBSITE , PERSON , BOOKS OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL WHICH YOU THINK MAY BE OF USE TO ME IN DOING THIS RESEARCH. THANK'S IN ADVANCE M.BROWN P.S--- YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AT [address deleted] ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: I referred Melissa to the Municipal Office. ############################################################ 6. Some Ideas and Comments - Cynthia Vaughan ############################################################ From: "Vaughan, Cynthia" Date: Wed, November 26, 2003 8:24 am To: Hi Kennedy, I would just like to coment on a few things: i() [Re: the lady with 4 kids and needs help] The Superplus Food Store in the Portmore Pines has advertised for all types of persons on its notice board. Other places have advertised in the Daily Gleaner so perhaps the son of that lady who needs help could apply there or to other fast food places in Portmore. (ii) Re items of clothes from abroad; my niece in Canada sent some things but she said that the church sold them instead of giving them away. when I visited a month ago they had so much stuff to throw away, including lots of toys that I wonder if we could get some avenue by which the goods could come at minimal or no cost and be distributed free to needy persons. (iii) Could you compile a list of artisans such as plumbers , electricians etc. as it is difficult to find any of these persons,especially reliable ones. Thanks for keeping us informed, and I will pass on the newsletter to persons that I know. Cynthia ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: Cynthia, I love your comments and ideas. Firstly, you need to know that I did get offers from Jamaican persons wanting to help the lady send things to Jamaica. They seem genuine and I believe it will work out. I was upset to hear that a Church sold items that were sent to be given away! In fact someone told me of a church selling items given to them by the charity organisation "Food for the Poor"! I am a church leader and love working for God, but too many church organisations are undemocratic, exploitative, disorderly and disrespectful. No wonder there are so few men in church! Notice how many church leaders follow their own agendas instead of what the assembly of believers determine to be God's will? They form autocratic leadership structures with the excuse that "they hear from God... like Moses" and the rest of Gods Children are to follow them. This is NOT what Jesus said! He said leaders should serve the people. God never intended Moses to be the only person to hear from him. It was the people who rejected God from speaking to them directly. Later, these same people even rejected God's spokes persons and wanted kings (or autocratic leaders) Of course the kings treated them badly! Modern people do the same thing. They refuse to listen to God and look to others for direction, healing, prophetic words, etc. They fall prey to the "wolves in sheep's clothing". Yes, God appoints leaders, but for the building UP of the people to do good works. The leaders of the church you speak of should have ENCOURAGED the church to do the right thing and not be greedy for money! SHAME! On the matter of compiling a skills list; No, I can not find the time to compile the list you speak of. Someone needs to sends it to me. But thanks for a great idea anyway. Later ############################################################ 7. SOS follow-up - Mother of Four ############################################################ INTRODUCTION: In a previous publication of this newsletter a mother of four kids asked for help from readers. One kind lady in the USA responded in a practical way. Below is a thank you note! Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2003 10:07:15 -0800 (PST) From: [Name deleted] Dear Mr. Kennedy, A pleasant day to you. I write to let you know that i got the money from the lady, i want to publicly thank her for the small way in which she could help, i will always be grateful to her, she is so far away and was willing to take my word for it and try to help me, yet there are people in my Country who sit back and criticize instead of helping. I am doing everything possible to get out of this situation, i am now paying my rent but is still in trouble with the arrears. I earn a friend through all of this and i hope that lady and i will be friends for a long time, she has a good heart. Thank you again [Name deleted] (still wish to remain anonymous) ############################################################ 8. The Jade Vine - Patricia Smith ############################################################ Subject: shop From: "Patricia Smith" Date: Fri, December 12, 2003 7:36 am Hi there just to let you know that I have expanded my business to Portmore. Located at Shop 5 Jon Lex Mor Plaza, Independence City. The Jade Vine offers a range of floral arangements, bridal bouquets, wreaths, gift baskets, plants, plant rentals and landscaping services. We also decorate venues for functions. We have christmas arrangements and baskets just for the season. We have come to Portmore to make a difference. [sentence deleted] Pat Smith ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: Great going my friend! Great going. ############################################################ 9. The Bible,Homosexuality, I choose - Eileen Phillips ############################################################ Date: Tue, December 9, 2003 8:56 am To: rhouse@cybervale.com Dear Kennedy, This is a public response. Feel free to publish all of my response and anything else that I send you. I am very much impressed by your being able to stand by your friend who has confessed his homosexuality. I very much enjoy a verbal or written debate. But I am ignorant of many things Christian. I am not Christian & not being Christian cannot be governed by Christian law. I know very little about the bible but good reading affords me a small spot of knowledge. After reading the little bit of bible that I did I see that Lot was ready to toss his two virgin daughters out the door for a crowd of men to do with what they wish. After it was all said and done Lot then lay with his daughters and bore children. (Genesis 19:5-15) & (Genesis 19:33-36.) Ewww gross is all I have to say about that! Incest is so common place in the bible. That bothers me. If you look at a woman with lust in your heart you shall be put to death? (Matthew 5:27-28) & (Leviticus 20:10.). Whoa, I know a whole ton of men that should be dead right now.... If you think your wife is cheating then take her to the priest and have her drink holy water. If she has cheated then her belly will swell and her thigh shall rot. (Numbers 5:11-27.)The priest is a magician too? COOL! The payment a man of God had to provide to a king to marry his daughter was 100 foreskins of the enemy of the king? But 200 foreskins is even better? (1 Samuel 18:12-27). grosssssss! What's up with that? If you live in Metropolitan Babylon God turned your men in to drag queens? "and they shall become as women" (Jeremiah 50:23, 37) Man I don't know much about the bible and I am not Christian but I sure do find some strange things in this book...... I mean weird stuff.... Religious affiliations aside I present the dictionary as evidence of the "word" being a "word." Main Entry: ho·mo·pho·bia Function: noun Date: 1969 [Meaning]: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals - ho·mo·pho·bic /-'fO-bik/ adjective At what point do we accept a word as being? It is listed in the dictionary and used quite frequently. Scientific terms are just that scientific. I am not a scientist and cannot argue the validity of the term on those grounds. I also wonder where you get your statistics? You say "almost 90% of all male homosexuality results from dysfunctional parenting in conjunction with a genetic predisposition." Where did ya get that? What if I choose? Why is it such a bad thing to choose? I never understood that from any aspect, even fellow homo's that say they are "born that way." I think it is a cop out. Bump that, I can and will make choices everyday. I choose to live a good and generous life. I choose to teach my kids values like honesty, creativity, love and strength instead of judgment and discrimination. I don't allow them to be cruel and ask that they "check the way you gallong" before they form an opinion of someone. I do not think you or any one else should be burned at the stake. I never said that. I can respect your religious view as long as you can respect religious diversity. Nuff respect due.... No need to delete my name. Eileen Phillips ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: Dear Eileen, I may not agree with a gay lifestye but I never abandon friends! On your Bible quotation... There are many MANY more genuinely weird things in the Bible than what you can name! This is why I am always bemused by persons trying to make sense of it by applying western understanding to an ancient text written in a primitive metaphoric language. Even when I read the SAME modern Bible in English and then in Spanish I get two different understandings and yet there are churches arguing about whether the word "AND" is sequential or consequential (Acts 2). One thing that is irrefutable is that in the Bible incest, homosexuality, fornication are not acceptable. Read Lev 18:22; 20:13, Ro 1:26, and 1Co 6:9-11. Also unacceptable is hating people; we are to hate their actions and not their person. Eileen, How is it you know the most "sticky" parts of the Bible?! (laugh). I could spend pages "explaining" some of what you see in the Bible. We should start by saying that when you read the Bible always remember that God is good and all he does is right! For example... In Genesis 19 Lot was always making POOR choices and this impacted negatively on his family life! He had compromised so much that we was willing to compromise his daughters to preserve his reputation. The daughters were no better. They foolishly lost hope in the men of the city and slept with their drunken father! Their offspring ... the Moabites and Ammonites... gave no ends of problems to the Jews in later years! Can you imagine that Lot's wife still loved her life in this evil city! In Mathew 5 - 7 you find some of the most important verses in the Bible! In them Christ teaches the religious people of his day that all wrong doing begins in the heart (soul) and points out that to get right with God is a spiritual thing and not a blind following of the LAWS. He NEVER prescribed punishment, but does point out how dangerous it will be for those who reject God. On the matter of my statistics... look it up! Behavioral Psychologist (as against psychoanalysts and for whom I have little regard) postulate that homosexuality is based on an overt identification with the 'wrong' parent. So that most male homosexuals have little or no loving identification with a strong father figure while growing up. Some were retarded in the normal progress of experimental development by an overt homosexual encounter. While this might be a simplification, it appears to be almost universally true. Some Christians will tell you that there are "spirits" in control... Well who knows! Truth is that whatever one chooses to do it must not block the flow of God's love in our lives! That is key!!!!! Enough preaching! Boy, you have me preaching! I went into politics and end up preaching... :-) Tell me when you want the last word! ############################################################ 10. Portmore Municipality - wayne williams ############################################################ Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 From: "wayne williams" Subject: Portmore Municipality Good Day, Mr. Reid I've read some of your articles on Portmore and it seems to me you always want to see portmore going farther, i admire that.I'm a student of St.Andrew Technical High,I'm presently writing my Examination Paper, relating to articles on portmore gaining city status and i believe you are good source of information.I would like to know what & why caues Portmore to gain city staus. Please I'm asking you to take time out of your busy schedule, to answer my question. Thank u ::::::::::::::::: Webmaster's Reply ::::::::::::::::: Wayne Go to the website and there is a section on the Municipality and on the History of Portmore. What I have to say is all there. If there are questions call me at 320-REID. OK? The Municipality got the status because there were persons who believed it was a good idea and pushed for it. Slowly more persons bought into the idea and it was granted. Of course, many persons wanted it for different reasons, but we can't get into that here! (smile) ############################################################ 11. Jamaican Christmas at the Pegasus - Kennedy Reid ############################################################ Well, here we are at the end of the newsletter. If you don't hear from me again before Christmas, I wish you all MERRY CHRISMUS an a appy new ear! Below, I received the Christmas menu from the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Might be we should all meet there for Christmas! In fact, there are Christmas evens in the adjacent Emancipation Park every night until Christmas. From: "Jamaica Pegasus Sales" Pegasus Christmas Menu 2003 Menu A Country Style Fish Tea Carrot and Raisin Salad Roasted Pork Loin in honey mustard sauce Stuffed Roasted Turkey with sorrel chutney Gungo Peas and Rice Candied Sweet Potatoes Seasonal Vegetables Christmas Pudding with vanilla rum sauce Menu B Tropical Fruit Salad with a citrus dressing Stuffed Oven Roasted Chicken Au Jus Fillet of Snapper in white wine sauce (with mushroom, parsley and tomatoes) Gungo Peas and Rice Candied Plantain Seasonal Vegetables Chocolate Cheesecake with a cherry and vanilla sauce Menu C Gungo Peas Soup Lettuce and Tomato Salad With Chestnuts with a pimento sorrel vinaigrette Supreme Of Chicken Florentine Snapper Parmesan with a sorrel and mango chutney Nutty Tomato Rice Candid Sweet Potato Grilled Vegetables Pegasus Signature Pudding with vanilla bean sauce N.B. All menus are at a cost of J$1,500.00 per person inclusive of tax and service charge and are served with Sugar Baked Ham. Sorrel drink is served on arrival and with meals ENJOY THE SEASON! [--------------------------THE END--------------------------------] Legal and other Notes - Please read 1. If you wish to stop receiving this newsletter, address a letter to the webmaster@portmore.org saying "Delete from Newsletter". Your request is executed without question. 2. This newsletter makes NO guarantees of accuracy nor authorship. 3. The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher and do NOT represent the views of any Political Party or Community Organisation. 4. Please copy this newsletter to as many persons as can However do not alter the contents and give credit to the source(s). 5. Commercial publication or reproduction of this newsletter needs the express consent of the webmaster in writing. 6. Let us know when your e-mail address changes. 7. If a month passes and you have not received a newsletter, please e-mail us about it! Might be your mails are bouncing. 8. 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