**************************************************** **************************************************** *** *** *** THE PORTMORE WEBSITE NEWSLETTER *** *** *** **************************************************** **************************************************** Newsletter: Number 01 for 2005 - Edition 1 Publication Date: January 10, 2005 Title: Higway comments (KR) Editor: Kennedy Reid Subscribers: 158 Sign up: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/portmore_newsletter/ Reply to: webmaster@portmore.org Web site: http://www.portmore.org Phone: 876-320-7343 CONTENTS ======== 1. Need More Leadership on the Toll issue - C. Wilmot-Simpson 2. General Comments on the Portmore Website 3. The 2 MPs for Portmore - arkan 4. The Genesis Festival 2005 5. plazas and parks and comedy - whycke-andre spence 7. Contact with Portsmouth Primary School - Gail Gunstone ############################################################ 1. Need More Leadership on the Toll issue - C. Wilmot-Simpson ############################################################ Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 08:47:18 -0800 From: "Conliffe Wilmot-Simpson" Subject: Need More Leadeship and Light on the Toll issue Kennedy, Hope that you have a good year with the Newsletter in 2005. Please find attached some comments on the Toll debate. Regards, Conliffe Wilmot-Simpson Call for Responsible Citizens Leadership Luke 6 v 39 … Can the blind lead the blind?....... I would like to call for more Light and Leadership in the current debate on the Portmore Toll road. As I sat in traffic on December 24, for one hour between 3 miles and the Portmore Mall, I was half hoping that I could jump into the future, pay $60 and do the same journey in 5 minutes. $60 could not pay for the additional gas that I wasted or the additional wear on my brakes, transmission and other components of my car or on my body. Our Leaders probably think that all of the persons that turn back and the causeway and opt to enter Portmore via Mandela are mad. These persons, who recognize the money value of their time, simply did an optimization and did what the results pointed out: it makes no sense to waste time in traffic! I worry about the impression being given in the media, that Portmore residents are united in an effort to resist the paying of a toll. I think that the Leadership, both at the level of the Joint Citizens Association and the PCAC are probably lazy and have not properly informed themselves on the issues. If they have, it is a secret to most residents. We have not heard anything from them on issues such as traffic counts, distribution of commuter into bus/ private car groups, average time taken from points in Portmore to points in Kingston, polls results that they have conducted, or any attempts at cost benefit analyses. It is so easy to criticize the existing poll, without making any effort to do one with an appropriate sample size. I would like to challenge both groups to abandon the current wishy washy positions and to do research, debate the issue in structured fora (not the current “No Toll” meetings), and to issue statements that can guide citizens (both supporters and non supporters of Toll) to take a reasoned position. Perhaps now is the time for the formation of a “Residents For Toll” group. If the current leadership are unable or unwilling to inform the residents of the issues, then others may have to fill that gap. Consider yourself an entrepreneur. You invest $3million in a Coaster and watch it crawl from Naggo Head at 7 AM and arrive at Half way Tree at 8 AM. If the journey could be done in 20 minutes, the bus could be back at Naggo Head to do a second trip out at 7:30. You could double your returns in that 7 – 8 AM period. An articulated bus, with capacity for over 100, has to re-enter Portmore via Mandela in the mornings. For perhaps nearly and hour, these empty seats are just being shuttled the long way around. Each morning one can see school buses with sleeping children, some having been picked up before 6 AM – parents up from 5AM, energy being used etc. etc. Our quality of life and health may improve if we can sleep for an additional hour. You want to leave Portmore at 6PM and are forced to go via Mandela, right now! So in effect, in the afternoons we are happily in the position that the joint Citizens Association has a problem with. Do they say so? No. Perhaps they do not realize that the much glorified one way system is a major manifestation of the current suffering being experienced by many Portmore residents. These are some of the issues that I would like to hear about from those who acclaim themselves as our leaders. They must be honest to themselves and to the groups they purport to represent. We need more light and a lot less heat in this debate. **************************************************** ***AdVT.******************************************** *** *** *** Lees Fifth Avenue *** *** *** *** 'Visit us online at' *** *** http://www.leesfifthavenue.com/ *** *** *** *** *** ********************************************ADVT.*** **************************************************** **************************************************** ******************* Webmasters Comment ******************* Conliffe, Are these comments your views or that of another person? There are lots of persons who agree with you. (On the site is a summary of the Stone Poll on Highway2000 that was done. It turns out most people will pay $20-30 dollars). I do understand the advantages that the highway will bring! I also understand that the government was trying to help us and not to harm us. I believe that if the toll is low enough, most people will accept the benefits and forget the principles violated in what was done. In my view Highway 2000 should have been a NEW road and not the replacement of a road that was deliberately built 30 years ago because Mandela Highway was not considered adequate for the community. How is it that 30 years later it is now sufficient as an alternate route? Because it is a replacement road, the charges should be at least 30% less per KM of road! Additionally I do absolutely resent the arrogance displayed by some officials towards the concerns of residents! It was truly shockingly disrespectful. Jus fi dat mi woulda go pan di street to protest! ... and to think that this is the government of Michael Manley!!! My position is that if the residents take things easy they will pay in the future. Yesterday I was invited to a planning meeting for the proposed protest. (I am not a leader of the event, so my two cents was mostly ignored. A suh it go in a democracy). A date for the protest was not yet set. The leaders are still waiting on the Transport Minister to meet with them. President of the Portmore Joint says that he got a cell call from the minister and that was that. The Portmore Joint Citizens is insisting on an "adequate" alternative route to the Toll road and want the Causeway to remain in place. I will keep you (the readers) informed... if and when there is a protest or other progress. Conliffe, Have a great year! By-di-way, What happen to the pictures you should be sending?!!! Kennedy ############################################################ 2. General Comments on the Portmore Website ############################################################ Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 13:57:24 -0500 (EST) Subject: First Page entry From: junior I would like to have continuous communication with this site. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 17:52:46 -0500 Subject: First Page entry From: kaye_ann The site is very informative,keep up the good work! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 10:50:49 Subject: First Page entry From: gymmy Very impressed with this site. Really didn't know it existed until I came across the Highway 2000 flyer. Keep up the good job! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Date: Sun, 26 Dec 2004 12:43:49 -0500 (EST) Subject: First Page entry From: jamdown11722 i would lie to see more information about realestate :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: From: Joye Date: Sun, 26 Dec 2004 16:55:52 EST Subject: Re: Development of Portmore I would like to visit this web site again, but I would like to see it up dated. I was in Jamaica recently as September of 2004, Cumberland to be exact where I lived before migrating to the US. I was pleased to see how the area has developed, but disappointed in the overcrowding of the area and also the crime that exist. I am thinking of relocating but with the wave of crimes I am concerned. Thank you for the history of Portmore as I was originally born in the parish of St. Thomas I am proud to be part of the development of Portmore. I had many friends who have lived in the area who have since moved out of the area and bought houses elsewhere or migrated out of the country, but as I said I am very pleased to see how the area has developed :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: From: "Larwence (Larry) Long" Subject: HELP Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 12:24:20 -0500 Mr. Kennedy, I visited this site to see information re the toll but none is here… i thought that such information could be found. What’s the deal Concerned. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: From: "Gray, Sheryll" Subject: the cause and the effects of pollution in portmore Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 13:43:32 -0500 [No comment in body of e-mail] :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 07:34:47 -0500 (EST) Subject: Message from Front page G.McLEAN IT'S MY 1ST TIME VISITING THE SITE SO MY COMMENTS WILL FOLLOW AFTER. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 16:59:14 -0500 (EST) From: "SHIRMANE EDWARDS" Subject: new photos To: webmaster@portmore.org Your website is exellent,but i need to see new photos. i love Jamaica i just want to see more especially portmore and i really enjoy you website. **************************************************** ***AdVT.******************************************** *** *** *** Lees Fifth Avenue *** *** *** *** 'Visit us online at' *** *** http://www.leesfifthavenue.com/ *** *** *** *** *** ********************************************ADVT.*** **************************************************** **************************************************** ******************* Webmasters Comment ******************* Thanks for all the good comments! I do try to respond to all the request... but alas mi nuh always hav di time! ############################################################ 3. The 2 MPs for Portmore - arkan ############################################################ Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 12:52:02 -0500 (EST) To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: First Page entry From: arkan We need the email addresses for our two representatives in Portmore,along with the Minister of Transport re: the toll issue as we are about to petition them with emails about the issue.....just read about the Skye issue in Scotland see excerpt [below] (Tolls have been abolished - Toll Booth in darkness) The toll booth is in darkness, the central lanes with the toll barriers are closed off and the outside lanes are now open to free flow of traffic. A sight that campaigners at SKAT have been fighting for for since the 17th October in 1995, just over nine years ago and is now a reality. Motorists woke up this morning to find an announcement today on Skye by Liberal Democrat transport minister Nicol Stephen, First Minister Jack McConnell was there too. The approximate amount to buy the tolls out have been in the region of £27 million. SKAT would like to thank all its friends, family, local businesses, tourists from throughout the world, local MSP John Farquhar-Munro and all its supporters for their help and contributions to the fight to remove the unjust and - some say - illegal, tolls. Campaigning will continue to remove criminal convictions that some brave supporters now have following the almost ten years of campaigning. Thank you all once again for all your support.) This should provide us with the necessary impeteous that we need to push forward. ******************* Webmasters Comment ******************* Friend, I have an email address for the Hon. Fitz Jackson ... and I do believe that he reads this newsletter from time to time. of course, I can not disclose an e-mail address without permission, but I am sure he should be happy to hear from his constituents! The Hon. Dr. Paul Robertson is not on the list, but I think persons on this list can contact him if they feel so moved .... therefore here is my appeal to them.... "Dear Portmore Member of Parliaments, (Hon. Fitz Jackson and Hon. Dr Paul Robertson), Your constituents want your e-mail addresses." I hope they see and respond... I will pass on the sentiment to Mr. Jackson next time I see him. More later. Kennedy ############################################################ 4. The Genesis Festival 2005 ############################################################ From: jamaicayfc@mail.infochan.com Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:55:34 -0500 Subject: The Genesis Festival 2005 Media Advisory From: Jamaica Youth For Christ Date: December 28, 2004 Topic: The Genesis Festival 2005 Contact persons: Dr. Donovan Thomas 869-3403(c) 960-4889 (o) Mr. Keith Ellis 818-3254 (c) What: Jamaica Youth For Christ, in association with Digicel, & Malta, presents the Genesis Festival 2005. - good wholesome entertainment and excitement for the whole family. This year’s event is geared to help rebuild morale in the nation, and is presented under the theme: ‘Xperience di righteous vibez’ Who: Jamaica Youth For Christ When: Saturday, January 1, 2005, 12:00noon to 10:00pm Where: The National Stadium Car Park Artistes include: Marvia Providence, who arrives at the Norman Manley International Airport today at 1:00pm. She will be met by representatives from Jamaica Youth For Christ and Digicel. Stitchie, Katalys Crew, Bless (aka Prodigal), Goddy Goddy, Rappers 4 Christ, DJ Nicholas, Judy Mowatt, Kevin & Robin, …and many more will also share in this time of refreshing and renewal. Attractions include: Jesus Party hour, Digicel Funzone, Go-Carts, Motion Simulator, Trampoleaper, Bicycle Stunts, Kiddies Corner “LIVE” with Auntie Nadine, … and more. Requesting: Coverage of the event. Please call or e-mail us to confirm coverage and arrange to get your gate passes. You may also visit the Genesis Festival website www.genesisfestival.com for further information. As we welcome the New Year we also invite persons across the island to share in times of refreshing and renewal at two (2) Genesis Concerts to be held in Mandeville and Montego Bay: Genesis Mandeville – Gospel concert immediately following Watch Night Services, beginning at 12:00midnight on December 31. Venue is the Guardian Life Car Park, Ward Avenue, Mandeville. Artistes include: Stitchie, Katalys Crew, Joan Flemmings, Bunny Anderson, Search, … and many more. Genesis Montego Bay – Gospel concert immediately following Watch Night Services, beginning at 12:00midnight on December 31. Venue is the Montego Bay Community College Artistes include:Bless (aka Prodigal), Joan Flemmings, Marlon Anderson, Praise Choir, … and many more. Coverage is also being requested for these events. Please visit the Genesis website www.genesisfestival.com for further information. ******************* Webmasters Answer ******************* Notice came too short for me! Kennedy ############################################################ 5. plazas and parks and comedy - whycke-andre spence ############################################################ -Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 07:40:46 -0800 (PST) From: whycke-andre spence Subject: plazas and parks and comedy To: portmore_newsletter-owner@yahoogroups.com Hi kenedy ( and all readers) Spent two weeks of December in the warmth of JA. Did not test the toll road but was 'impredssed' with the proliferation of shopping facilities now existing in Portmore. It is good to see that the entreprennurial spirit is alive, hope fully the shops are offering diversity and are not all clothe, shoes and food outlets. Good also to see that finacial institutions are building home sites. At this rate we will not have to worry about the toll road as you will not need to drive to Kingston ..... YES I know that is where your job is and you holding on for your pension but at least options are being offered. Along with the area in Edgewater, I think that the mayor and council should seriously explolre park plans for the area beside BK / VMBS at the main entrance to portmore and at least two areas in the 'Greater portmore' space. It is not enough to designate a space as a green area. It needs to be developed as a green area and maintained. this could be done by patterning the way that devon house is funded .... ice cream kiosks, culture fairs and events NHT support ( Portmore is one place that should benefit from some NHT lagress for obvious reasons). Emacipation park ( and attached entertainment facilty) is nice but at the expense of Hope gardens and coconut park. Finally , while in JA I went to the carribbean crack up show and I must say big up to Johnny and Ice man, Ity and fancy cat could have been better ...... I am not a prude but the material offered by theh contigent from the other Islands could stay reheated old jokes or profane / sexual references ( the worst of it by a female Oh NO) left a sour taste ....... the promoters are doing a good thing hope it grows. Doing some studies hope to be back to contribute to the development of my country .... UK dreary and COLD. peace and prayers In all things give thanks. WHYCKE-ANDRE ******************* Webmasters Answer ******************* WHYCKE-ANDRE, Next time you are here in Jamaica, do give me a ding! ############################################################ 7. Contact with Portsmouth Primary School - Gail Gunstone ############################################################ Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 19:15:23 -0500 (EST) From: portmo@portmore.org Add to Address Book To: webmaster@portmore.org Subject: Message from Front page Gail Gunstone I am librarian at an elementary school in Portland Oregon USA. One of our classes wishes to write to a 5th grade class at Portsmouth Primary School in Portmore. Please send an email address or other address. Thank you. gail.gunstone@pcschools.org **************************************************** ***AdVT.******************************************** *** *** *** Lees Fifth Avenue *** *** *** *** 'Visit us online at' *** *** http://www.leesfifthavenue.com/ *** *** *** *** *** ********************************************ADVT.*** **************************************************** **************************************************** ******************* Webmasters Answer ******************* I have printed your e-mail and will deliver to the principal. I have no idea if the school has an e-mail contact. Good luck! [--------------------THE END OF ENTRIES-------------------] Legal Notices - Please read 1. This newsletter makes NO guarantees of accuracy nor authorship. 2. 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. 3. Commercial publication of this newsletter needs the express consent of the webmaster in writing. 4. Copy Rights are owned by Kennedy Reid General Notes - Please read 1. Please copy this newsletter to as many persons as you may, However, please do not alter the contents. 2. To read our past newsletters go to http://www.portmore.org/newsletters/index.html 3. This newsletter is an open forum so please feel free to send us your contributions. We do NOT edit your letters, but may delete sections that can not be published. Deleted sections will be noted. Private e-mail addresses are deleted from letters and, if you ask, we will delete your name also! The Webmaster may comment on your contribution, but reserves the last word for you. Write to webmaster@portmore.org or rhouse@cybervale.com 4. Comments made in this newsletter should be taken in a light manner as the style of this newsletter attempts to be humourous. "Why be ordinary?" - KR [--------------------------THE END--------------------------------]