We invite you to write a post about the topic of health care in ’08. There are clear policy differences between the Obama and McCain plans, who come from two differing philosophies on health care reform.

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You’ve got a great site. Definitely now on my list of blogs designated for regular visits.

From the late eighties to the early 2000s my wife, Helen, and I used to spend 4 to 6 weeks in Jamaica each year. Unfortunately, we haven’t managed to get to your beautiful country for the last 6-1/2 years but hope to make it to Kingston to visit old friends sometime in late 2008 or early 2009.

I remember in the late 80s we thought nothing of walking from the Liguanea Club to Devon House for a late evening meal and then walking back again. No one would hassle us and we felt quite safe. However, as time progressed those evening walks became less of an option simply because of the change in attitude of the people on the streets at night. By the late 90s, even during the day, we were frequently approached by people looking for handouts. Now I must admit that I got to know some of the street people that used to hang out on Knutsford Blvd down around the Liguanea Club quite well and we could stop and visit with them on the street without being asked for cash. I guess they knew that if they appeared really down and out I’d ask them if they were a little short and offer them some assistance. Sometimes they would accept and other times they would refuse. But we always showed respect for one another.

Two people I fondly remember are Adophus Mattie and another chap that I knew simply as John.

Adolphus sold souvenirs from a hand cart on Knutsford just across from the Wyndham. I met him on my first trip in 1988 when I was in Kingston on a contract to give basic computer courses to members of JIE. I was billeted at the Linguanea and was delivering the courses at the Wyndham. During that stay I got to know Adolphus quite we’ll and when Helen and I started travelling to Kingston on a regular basis we always made a point of seeking him out and buying something from him. As a result, Adolphus became our self-appointed protector. He would always warn off any street people in the area and every day as we went out for our frequent walking tours would warn us to be careful and stay away from areas he considered dangerous.

I also met John on my first trip to Kingston. One Sunday I was at Devon House and John approached with the offer to obtain some Blue Mountain coffee for me. I declined so then he mentioned that he had to get back home and didn’t have enough money for bus fair. So in order to speed the conclusion of our conversation I gave him $20 JA. Back them I think the conversion was about 5:1 against the Canadian dollar. The next year I brought Helen to Jamaica to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. One afternoon I was approached by a chap offering to obtain coffee for me (declined) and then needing bus fare (provided). After he left I said to Helen that I thought I knew that chap and later it dawned on me that it was John. The following year we were out walking and I saw John so I approached him and asked him how he was. Of course, he had no idea in hell who I was. I explained how I knew him from my earlier visits. Following that encounter, whenever John saw us -even if we were a block away – he’d shout until we noticed him and we’d get together for a visit on the street. He never again asked for money but we’d found out when his birthday was and always made sure that we gave him an annual “birthday gift” of some cash in a birthday card.

However, Jamaican Girl, I hope you’ll forgive my ramblings here on you blog but reading it brought back some fond memories of Jamaica.

All the best from the Great White North,
Don

Checkout my site: http://www.thecaribvibe.com

The legendary Carifolk Singers are coming from Jamaica to perform in the NY Tri-State area in October (October 18-21, 2007), could you help spread the word. I tried sending the e-flyer to you but it didn’t paste so well in this area.

If you tell me how to send it to you, I will.

You can see more about them at http://www.lignumvitaeinc.com

Sincerely,

Ian
stmaryian@yahoo.com