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**John French II** » 2011-08-29 20:30

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. I am a Native - born, navel string buried, raised, lived, schooled, played, acted, danced, sang, worked and now enjoy my days with my Mother,family and friends in Antigua. Great Grand Parents, Grand Parents and Father buried in Antigua. My Great Grandmother encouraged me to go to Mali &Timbuktu. I travel through this portal, a voice in the wilderness with malice towards none seeking to build a more perfect union of our Nation of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda? Dig-it, I am an apologist for no Colonialist, Slave Trader, Exploiter be they European, Arab, Asian, Hispanic or African. I shall continue to address the "Wretched of the Earth" on issues that I believe that our politicos are not addressing. I envy no one. I do it my way and as you know try to keep personal animus out. They are not upset about "pickey head", they are afraid to upset the people keeping them in bondage. Have Mercy Pon Us. The lady exposed herself and her true beliefs with "Why Should Your Opinions Matter?" In a Democracy? In Antigua & Barbuda a young small island state nation? In The 21st Century? Father Forgive them for they know not. Go Well My friend. Respect.

**Microwave Chef** » 2011-08-29 19:39

Chef tip's his chefhat and wishes to expresses to Dr Jerry Simon that this piece of writing is so sweet , Chef swear he might be diabetic after reading this :lol:

smooth like chocolate mousse....
Chef however feels that you might have just put a $10 screw in the soul of antigua's health public and other wise :-*

Chef thinks he knows who should be the next minster of health in Antigua." appointed by public demand that is "Dr Jerry is simply to honest be be elected on the platform of either political party.

**Dig It** » 2011-08-29 15:07

John, you have made some of the most brilliant comments on this forum! That is not a statement, it is a fact! I may not agree with you all the time but I don't try to engage in personal jabs with you, especially, when it has nothing to do with the topic of discussion! I just learn to take the bitter with the sweet! For example, I don't like every comments that the blogger, PLM, makes on this forum but that is his cup of tea! Yes, he has his moments when he made a good comment (but some of us would still not like him because of all his previous rants)! John, I guess what I am trying to say is that only those that comment on this forum day-in and day-out understands you and your way of writing! Bless.

**DONT BELIEVE** » 2011-08-29 14:43

Dont want to be controversial here,but if Beverley Gomes is not an Antiguan of African descent,then i am a virgin with a child.

**Dig It** » 2011-08-29 14:43

Dr. Simon, as usual, well said! You surely have a way of informing the readers, and, a unique way of drawing comparisons to our everyday political lives! Mr. Magoo is a good one!

**my way of helping** » 2011-08-29 08:49

I really love this piece, it is funny and very informative (like this writing style). I must say that it would be nice to have EMS, fire service and police in the same category, as someone said.

I also agree about the different avenues people may take about the nursing program, This is a lovely and very true article and I support it.

Let the legal mind think about the law
Let the medical mind think about the medicine
Let Mr. Magoo think about staying home and watch TV (who ever he is)

**Beverley Gomes** » 2011-08-29 00:42

Sorry, your assumptions are wrong on every count. I do not live in Antigua, I was not born in Antigua and I am not of African descent. But I do have an interest in the island. My husband is Antiguan. I respect your right to your opinions, but I see very little relationship between what you are now stating and what the article is referencing. However, I do wish you the best on your mission. My original question still stands....who exactly are you and why should your opinions matter?

**John French II** » 2011-08-28 21:04

Notes From A native Son Of The Rock. Beverley, I am providing you with a link to assist with your research of this important matter: http://gefantigua.org/?s=Land+use+development+plan&x=9&y=15
As you go through the various and previous articles from Caribarena on the National Phsical Development Plan, you will find the usual suspects who are asking question relevant to your research. Tenman is always on guard to assist with his treasure trove of relevant material and articles. Thanks in advance of your attendance at the Consultations on the Draft document of the National Physical Development Plan. With Respect and May Heaven Help You, The Nation of Antigua & Barbuda – Redonda?

**John French II** » 2011-08-28 20:58

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. 6. The documents to date only addresses outcomes in five sections and strategic imperative outcomes, who were the stakeholders actively involved in crafting the Strategic Imperatives, Objectives, Strategies, Measures and Targets which have not been shown anywhere in the Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism (SIRMM) Project Outcomes? 7. Only one passing reference “including Redonda” has been made in these documents, can you tell us why and if future strategic planning will be undertaken to facilitate sustainable resource development of resources, including mineral resources? 8. Will there be a review of the mineral reserves on Redonda and the numerous off shore islands within our coastal waters? 9. Will this study be looking at the Economic Zone of our Seas and Oceans surrounding our Nation of Antigua & Barbuda “including Redonda” as your one reference has noted? 10. Finally, it has been stated that this project is funded by GEF under the auspices of the UN at a cost of some $600,000, will you kindly confirm that the overruns to date have not reached $750,000 as is being rumored? Contd.

**John French II** » 2011-08-28 20:55

Notes From A Native Son of the Rock. Back to the Assignment Questions: 1. Is this Plan for the Nation of Antigua and Barbuda? 2. Does it address the Sustainable Development & Management of Lands in our sister island of Barbuda? 3. The documents which have been circulated, as of August 28, 2011 do not provide information on areas of Crown Lands or Public, Private, Industrial, Tourism and Agriculture, Parks, Recreation or Ecological Reserves, When will information on acreage, hectares, percentages be provided? 4. To date, we have not been provided with and History of our Lands, prior to this Land National Physical Development Plan, when will you provide this historical context to inform our discussions? 5. Given that the Electorate and other Publics had the documents two days prior to the beginning of these Consultations, will there be opportunities for further consultations and input prior to the National Physical Development plan being submitted to Cabinet and Parliament in October 2011? Contd.

**tenman** » 2011-08-28 20:52

A comment on Morrison's Beloved found at www.epinions.com/review/Beloved_by_Toni_Morrison/book-review-2F5-9334FC5-3878AE3A-bd1:

forbidnkis's Full Review: Toni Morrison - Beloved
As a former student of English Literature, I have read some very interesting books. Some I have enjoyed, others I have not. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, is one of those books that I did not enjoy. ..but this book is so scattered, that it is difficult to enjoyable read it. .. but she gives no real history behind the events before the flashback actually occurs, so the reader is left to wonder, and often, forces the reader to re-read the section before the memory, in order to ensure that nothing was overlooked.

Her use of imagery is wonderful, the graphic descriptions that Morrison uses paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind, once the reader has determined what she was actually saying. This is the type of novel where you must digest every word before being able to move on to the next. I would not recommend this book as light reading, for there is no way to absorb and understand all of what Morrison is saying during a relaxed reading.

..

**John French II** » 2011-08-28 20:52

Notes From A Native Son Of the Rock. I am off Island and will not get back in time to participate in this major Endeavour. Not since VC bought the Syndicate Lands have anything of this magnitude and National import been done. A few questions can serve a useful purpose to Nation Building. Let us give the most energetic Minister of the Blues support. The Reds were woefully inadequate after VC. Before the questions for the Consultants, let me ask your forbearance with these questions from Mr. Magoo – Another Euro-Buccaneer Enters the IMF’s NEST. Are you aware of the NEST Plan which is the Fiscal and Economic Plan for Antigua & Barbuda? Are you aware of the IMF being the Financier who approves expenditures and revenue generations in order for The Government of Antigua & Barbuda to get bridging funds to carry out its business? What do you understand by the words Cultural Imperialism? Is it so pervasive that it p** by you as mere entertainment? Do you not know of Anansi and our childhood tales? Do you not know of the clothing worn by many Antiguans up to and including the fifties? Do you not hear our calypsonians singing the virtues and trials of “Pickey Head People”? Contd

**John French II** » 2011-08-28 20:44

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Dear Ms. Gomes, Can i say Beverley? Permit me to make a few assumptions and if I am wrong forgive me. I mean no harm to you. Assumption 1. You are living in Antigua & Barbuda. Assumption 2. You are of Antiguan and Barbudan Nationality. Assumption 3. You are of African Descent. Assumption 4. Your education, values, culture, economic inclinations and history have been shaped by the Slave Trade, Colonialism, Capitalism or if you prefer the Free Market Theories of Creating Wealth and European Christianity. If am batting zero or 250, I fully understand your comprehension and apprehension of what I write. If you are batting 1000, we have a lot of work to do towards Nation Building and I have an assignment for you. As you must be aware, The National Physical Development Plan 2nd Draft has been completed. Public Consultations will take place in Antigua and Barbuda during the week of August 28th. Beverley, May I kindly ask you to find the venues and attend, one of the Sessions as a Concerned Citizen and Stakeholder, on my behalf and raise a series of questions with the consultants. Contd.

**Beverley Gomes** » 2011-08-28 19:36

Thanks for responding. Yes, I've read Toni Morrison and I can tell you this gentleman is no Toni Morrison. I consider myself well educated, successful in my career, and a free thinker. But why these constant references to pickey head people in his comments regardless of the topic? Why not make the point without these denigrating references? I simply don't think it's necessary, especially since it's being directed to a primarily black audience about primarily black leaders. Be careful of the "heroes" you choose, Mr. Tenman.

**tenman** » 2011-08-28 18:48

Beverley Gomes do you enjoy English literature? There is a current living writer named Toni Morrison and no one can deny the profoundness of her writings. The thing about such writings is at time of reading it you may not get the fullness of what she conveys. Its only in the fullness of time, most times when you let yourself relax, that the depth of what the writer is trying to convey comes to you. The purpose of such writings is not to entertain but to educate. Think of it, how long did it take for you to understand many of the truths your parents tried to convey to you when you were a child? Whats the difference between Anansi (John French II) and Mr. Mango (Doctor Simon mentioned)? Don't you understand that part of the reason why the we don't respect certain qualifications is because of mental slavery (we put no value on our own hence the pickey head reference you despise)?

..

**Beverley Gomes** » 2011-08-28 16:34

Who exactly is this John French III? His comments are so assinine and inappropriate it's not funny. He constantly makes references to "pickey head" people every opportunity he gets, no matter what the topic is about. Mr. French, if you are trying to sound like some radical intellectual, you are not succeeding. You sound more like a fool trying desperately to sound smart.

By the way, great article, Dr. Simon.

**Skyewill** » 2011-08-28 16:14

Jerry tried very hard to send a certain message and you guys still don't get it. Every time you hear of an organization doing something in and for Antigua you always hear only one thing, WHO WONDERFUL THE EVENT WENT. Few week later you find out it was junk. Just like your 100M airport with the holes in the runway. Could it be because of bad work? or the explanation they gave us when Sir Viv roof blew off and the sidewalk start peeling up. Or Parade some old white guy who knows nothing about radiation poisoning , Oh No Hey guess what we still shovel dirt out the gutter and pile on the side of the road so it can wash back into the gutter. 2 words, "Numb nut"

**John French II** » 2011-08-28 13:32

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Oh No! This cannot be true. Please pinch me to ensure that I am not on my way to Purgatory. Dr. Simon, are you seriously suggesting that, Cultural Imperialism has met Neo-Colonialism and have found a safe place amongst the broken twigs and decaying leaves in the IMF's NEST to complete the laying of foolhardy policies and administrative backwardness to hatch the Euro-Privateers of Recolonization? I have been taken. We have been Had. I have been honestly thinking that it was Indigenous Development Investment under the Leadership and Guidance of our own Anansi. If what you say is correct, we shall all better clothe ourselves in Jute(Crocus) Bags, Flour Bag Underwear and take daily doses of Snuff and maybe even revert back to getting solace and comfort from the smokey haze of a Corn Pipe. Dr. Simon, I can assure, that while we pickey heads continue to bend over and pass the grease, Anansi will not be amused and will be visiting the hallowed halls of Dr. PM, Dr. Hon Min of Ed, Dr. Hon Min of IT and finally Hon Min of Health. Anansi will work to remind you of your Status. Thanks for your Analysis. Continued Success and All The Best. Respect.

**COLLIN** » 2011-08-28 13:30

I refuse to blame the politicians anymore for our problems. We have so many brilliant Antiguans not in politics, who understand what is needed to fix our problems and yet we can't find the collective will to make a change. Let's focus on what we can do to make a difference in our beloved land and not on what the politician is not doing.

**PFKAR** » 2011-08-28 12:41

Jerry,

It is a shame that modern medicine has abandoned good old fashioned horse-sense doctoring. I think we'll agree that too many physicians fail to take the time to ask the simplest questions to determine if a patient could benefit from simple lifestyle modifications. I found that the situation is actually better in Antigua than in the States in this regard, but still wanting all around. I think we will also agree that naturopaths are recognized as being better about asking these more probing questions. However, given the glut of unproven, ridiculous, and actually demonstrably useless, modalities employed by the naturopathic community, do you really want to open the flood gates to the unbridled flummery that envelops its practitioners like Pig Pen's dust cloud? Isn't public illiteracy in the realm of science and medicine already frightening enough without clouding the waters with the spurious claims of so called "alternative medicine"?

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-08-28 12:34

As for the influx of cell towers, this has been a hot **on issue for some time now worldwide. While I strongly concur that the erection of towers in Antigua need to be better regulated for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the aesthetics of locating them in residential areas, I do not know that there are any definitive scientific studies that show a clear relation between cancer and cell antennas. According the American Cancer Society, the risks are minimal to non-existent….d ue in part to the low and intermittent levels of radiofrequency (RF) waves, and the height of the antennas. However, for many skeptics, questions remain. If the American Cancer Society and other distinguished experts are wrong, we may all be potential victims in the long run, because these antennas are practically everywhere...an d will increase in quantity as cell phone users demand better and better coverage. So, the question is....at what price development?

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-08-28 12:32

Dr. Simon, You touch on several good points. Regarding the EMS situation, I thought the issue of "essential service" was primarily legal semantics. The workers are taking strike action and arguing that they are entitled to do so because they do not fall under the list of enumerated workers deemed "essential" as stipulated in the local labor laws...and thus exempt from any restrictions on industrial action. Most reasonable people will no doubt agree that their services are essential to the proper functioning of the hospital, but if they are not expressly barred from taking strike action under the current laws, and if they have real grievances, I believe their actions should not be deemed illegal. Ultimately, the courts will decide.

**concerned** » 2011-08-28 11:57

Thank you so much Dr Simon for a great article.It is like a breath of fresh air to know that people are starting to take note of the horrible state of Antigua's public health care system and the care given at MSJMC.Cont to write and educate people to stand up and speak up (BOB MARLEY) for their rights.Let them all know (Ministry of Health, MSJMC board of directors and all those so called Physicians) they will not continue to pull the wool over our eyes anymore.Too many patients go there and in no time families are called and told they are dead,without any creditable explaination.In form families of these patients to demand their entire medical records and have outside medical professional review them.Maybe an Influx of law suits will make them start doing the right thing by caring for patients the way it should be done.Remove these politicos,who do not have a clue about medicine from their postions.Why would they care?--they leave Antigua when the need medical treatment.ITS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THEM,but is perfect for poor Antiguans---Lik e SHADOW SINGS--"POVERTY IS HELL."

**tenman** » 2011-08-28 11:40

Dr. Simon as usual I enjoyed and agree with most of what you stated. I differ with you in regards to the nursing issue. I do not beleive it a good idea to have 2 standards for nursing certification(o ne local and one for the offshore schools). My understanding of the situation is that the other overseas nursing school had no problem with adhering to the local standard. The idea that we will lower the bar, via the 2 year program, because its accepted in the US is not a sufficient reason for me. The US hospitals probably have added safeguards in regards to nursing that we don't have. My understanding is that we are basically following the same certification system that practiced in the UK (see www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/Degree-list/Nursing-Degree-courses-UK/qualification/M/search_category/5971/loc.html)

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**fnpsr** » 2011-08-28 10:37

Dr. Simon thanks again for another well-reasoned and thoughtful article. Except for the information and educational value this article brings to us, I am sad to say, just like many other articles, blogs and comments, this too will fall on deaf ears.

I have heard that it is very difficult for credential health care personnel to get licensed in Antigua. And I am not talking “Diploma Doctors”. Meaning doctors who have not gone through any internships, residencies and board certifications. The theory is that the licensing board consists of a few well-establishe d healthcare personnel and they are afraid that new staff will cut into their profits. This is sad because it increases the cost of medical care and deprives the inhabitants of adequate choice.

One of the reasons that the Politicos don’t care about the health system and only give lip service when it suits their fancy, is because they know that if they have a heath problem they can just jump on a plane and receive the best healthcare in the US, Canada or the UK.

“Lets, fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things”.

**Morris** » 2011-08-28 07:08

Very good comparison. I have mentioned in numerous posts before that our leaders remind me of the weekend segment on the Boomerang channel called "cartoons without a clue." They have no idea or input, but are always present at the end. Keep on writing!

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