Solomon [Song]

Uploaded by edward spencer

SOLOMON
By Mighty Sparrow

If I had any doubts, now they gone completely
I am living in true democracy
If I had any doubts now they gone completely
Our nation stands for true democracy
I am referring to that most regrettable disaster
Through a corporal, we lost our acting Prime Minister
He complained to the Commission
And make them kick out poor Solomon.

Where in the world you could find democracy so?
Except in Trinidad and Tobago
If was in America, is the corporal that had to go
In the first place a man like he
Couldn't see the Commission of Inquiry
Doh care how he try, they woulda charge him as a spy
And tell the public he lie.

Oh well, the good things you do, you never get credit
But make one mistake, nobody forget it
I agree he was wrong without any doubt
Cancelling the charge, letting the boy out
But the way how some of these people criticising
You will think Solomon shouldn't have human feeling
Just because he in politics he must leave he stepson
Like Cadogan in a cell to get kill with licks.

Some people say he too bold-faced and outta place
Some ah them vex because they hear he slap the Doctor in he face
But I say Pat Solomon is still as damn good politician
He only made a slip, they throw him out with a kick
This place too damn democratic!

Plenty people used to criticise the PNM
But the way things turn out is a shock to them
They used to say that the Doctor is a dictator
Some went as far as to call him a traitor. Huh!
But now it can be seen even by a blind man
What side of the fence the PNM stand
I am sure now they all agree
PNM stands for true democracy.

In America, a shoeshine boy could be president
Or a millionaire tomorrow and today he ent got a black cent
For opportunity, America ent bad
For democracy, I like Trinidad
Because the police force get snub, a corporal push a knob
And the minister lost a good job.

In most other places, it ent so at all
They'll promote Solomon and kick the corporal
Although democracy is what they go out and teach
You'll never see them practice what you hear them preach
But the first thing we gave Solomon was a headline
Opposition Commission and the corporal in he tail - he bound to resign
I really sympathise with he but
I still say he wrong for setting the boy free.

Now mind you,

It is true our nation needs strong men like Solomon. Ey!
But no one is allowed to take the law in they hand
Okay, drop the charge if you see it fit
But it ent what you do, is how you do it
Solomon acted like a lord, trying to spare the rod
And now he die by the sword.

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................


A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Mighty Sparrow.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

What You willing to die for? [Song]

Uploaded by KMP MUSICLAB
WHAT YOU WILLING TO DIE FOR?
Sung by Joanna "Tigress" Rowley
Written by Andre Jeffers & Kenny Phillips
Produced by Kenny Phillips of KMP Music Lab

Trinidad and Tobago, are we truly a patriotic people? Do you love your country?

They say he crazy, a delusional fool
They say he selfish and want things my way
I say they lazy, they too nonchalant and cool
His cause is bigger than just a highway
They calling him fraud, say he cannot be of God
And whether he die or not, it don't matter
But what they don't see is a man who'll die for country
I'll call him a patriot and martyr.

Dr. Kublalsingh took a stand against corruption
The naysayers say life is too precious for that
They say surely he must have had a better option
The thing [is], we all willing to die, tell me for what and why
For something noble or just to get a bligh? Oy!

[Are you willing to die?] Just for some nicotine?
[Are you willing to die?] You smoking cigarettes by the pack
[Are you willing to die?] Just for the thrill of speed?
[Are you willing to die?] The highway is your drag race track.
[Are you willing to die?] Just for sexual antics?
[Are you willing to die?] Risking AIDS and HIV?
[Are you willing to die?] Like Dr. Kublalsingh?
[Are you willing to die?] No water, no food, not even IV?

What you willing to die for? Tell me!
What you will lose your life for?
Will you die for your country?
Trinidad, come! Will you die for your country? Hear me!

Now, a legal pillar who stood for justice and truth
Senior counsel and lead prosecutor
Some coward killers, now almost one year removed
Up to now, they still can't find that shooter
Justice reform on her plate, high profile work for the state
And pro bono work for those who can't afford
In return, what did she get? A cold case that can't solve yet
She deserve the nation's highest award.

Dana Seetahal died in service to this nation
She lived a life of purpose, fighting crime
Her legacy goes beyond the legislation
You see, we all going to die with no promise to say Bye-bye
Every man have their own appointed time. Oy!

[Are you willing to die?] To jump and wine in a band?
[Are you willing to die?] When Ebola is a serious threat?
[Are you willing to die?] Hey, you, the smuggler man!
[Are you willing to die?] You swallowing all these cocaine pellets. You fool!
[Are you willing to die?] To protest the cabal?
[Are you willing to die?] They disgusting and worthless.
[Are you willing to die?] Like Dana Seetahal?
[Are you willing to die?] To stand for truth and justice? Oy!

What you willing to die for? Tell me.
[What you willing to die for?']
Will you die for your country?
Lose your life for your country?

This one really hits home. ------------ this one is for you,  for the love of my country.

A mother of six, grandmother of eight
In the media she is known as Good Granny
A tower of bricks, Marlene Grant was her name
Fought the gangsters with no damn apology
They threatened and warned her, the bad boys call her informer
She didn't bat an eye or even hide in fear
They tried to kill her with fire, they even had guns for hire
Had the whole community running in tears.

Marlene Grant took a stand against them vultures
No police protection despite all the threats
That why we have a "Me-ent-see-nothing" friggin' culture
Man 'fraid to snitch and die but to cheat death they willing to lie
Seeing wickedness, then turning a blind eye. Oy!

[Are you willing to die?] Just for your B13, or even your Wingroad?
[Are you willing to die?] For your taxi money coil?
[Are you willing to die?] Just for some KFC?
[Are you willing to die?] You just might get some hot oil.
[Are you willing to die?] Just not to be a Mammy?
[Are you willing to die?] And abort that child you had?
[Are you willing to die?] Like that brave, brave granny?
[Are you willing to die?] To stand up against the gang. Oy!

What you willing to die for? Tell me.
What you will lose your life for?
Will you die for your country?
To save your community. Tell me.

This one is for the leaders.

Left hand on the Bible or the Bhagavad Gita
Some swear with the Qu'ran, right hand upraised
Sworn to serve our country but watch how you raping her
Break and take and yet, you are still not phased
Who lie before God will be surely put to the sword
You could find that in any scripture
Public office life should be a great sacrifice
But every politician leaving richer.

Willingness to die isn't just physical
Are you willing to die to self and serve?
But the parliament full of thugs and political criminals
Most of them ent willing to die, they just full of mamaguy
Which leaders can we watch and exemplify? None!

[Are you willing to die?] Just for financial power?
[Are you willing to die?] With corruption all over the place?
[Are you willing to die?] For the almighty dollar?
[Are you willing to die?] Or like Anil, who left in disgrace?
[Are you willing to die?] For a political change?
[Are you willing to die?] Or are you going to stand, run your mouth and do nothing?
[Are you willing to die?] Money for vote is nothing strange
[Are you willing to die?] Trinbago, we must stand for something! Ey!

What you willing to die for?
What you will lose your life for?
[What you willing to die for?] Will you die for your country?
[What you willing to die for?] Will you die for your country?
[What you willing to die for?] Ey!
[What you willing to die for?] Trinidad and Tobago, let us get up!
[What you willing to die for?] Stand firm with our RED, WHITE and BLACK.
[What you willing to die for?]
What you will lose your life for?
[What you willing to die for?]
Will you die for your country?
[What you willing to die for?]
God bless our nation, Trinidad and Tobago.
[What you willing to die for?]
[What you willing to die for?]

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

This Bird is Singing In the Key of Dismay

11 They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,

saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.

12 They acted shamefully, they committed abomination;

yet they were not at all ashamed,

they did not know how to blush.

Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;

at the time when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the Lord.

13 When I wanted to gather them, says the Lord,

there are no grapes on the vine,

nor figs on the fig tree;

even the leaves are withered,

and what I gave them has passed away from them....

--Jeremiah 8 : 11-13

Homeland, the cup of the wine of astonishment 

which you have been handed 

is deep.

..............................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Back to the Same Ol' Same [Song]

Uploaded by IsDePanInMe
BACK TO THE SAME OL' SAME
By David Rudder

Welcome to islands in the sun
Corruption is all the fun, Ron
Here, take this life like a good shot of rum
And back to the same old same.

They've got twelve aces up their sleeve
So who the hell can you believe, Steve?
Not even the love of your children's enough
To quell this cynical thing.

Can you show me a directing sign
On this highway of big tief and fools?
You tief yours and I shall tief mine
And leh we go down the road and break the broken rule.

So in this morning of another day
When decency will lose its way, Ray
There goes another hundred million again
Back to the same old same.

Between the shadow and despair
Can hopelessness come up for air, Claire?
And find belief will get a witness again
Back to the same old same.

Oh, how we wined on Miss Liberty's backside
Every since we forged her from the love
Hope and prayer is now a way of life
And it fits this country's poor like a glove.

So in the morning of a brand new day
When decency will lose its way, Jay
There goes another fifty million again
Back to the same old same.

The self-contempt is like a badge of faith
Award yourself, it's not too late, Kate
Between the Beetham and the barbed wire wall
Back to the same old same.

Can anybody show me a directing sign
On this boulevard of big tief and fools?
You tief yours and I shall tief mine
And leh we go down the road and break the broken rule.

And in the swiftly fading light
What is wrong and what is right, Dwight?
The straight and narrow road has gone 'round the bend
Back to the same old same.

Welcome to islands in the sun
Where paranoia's all the fun, Ron
Take this life, this sweet mamaguay
Back to the same old same.

They've got twelve aces up their sleeve
So who the hell can you believe, Steve?
Not even the love of your children is enough
To quell this cynical thing.

Between the shadow and despair
Can hopelessness come up for air
And find belief will get a witness again
Back to the same old same.

The self-contempt is like a badge of faith
Award yourself, it's not too late, Kate
Between the Beetham flags and the barbed wide walls
Back to the same old same.

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................


A Note From The Gull

Thank you, David Rudder.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

"The Damning Power Of Perceptions Of Corruption."

Today, in his remarks at the ceremonial opening of the fourth session of the tenth parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our President belled the cat and addressed among other thorny issues, the matter of election campaign financing:

"The second issue, Election Campaign Financing, is a veritable juggernaut that results in financiers arrogating political power unto themselves and thereby undermining the system of governance. Curiously, when political parties are in opposition they call for transparency in campaign financing; yet, when in the seat of power they conveniently neglect to address the issue. We must really get serious. The time has come when we must bite the bullet of campaign financing reform and introduce appropriate measures for disclosure, reporting and enforcement laws to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s electoral system. This will certainly build citizen confidence and enhance our system of democratic governance. The need for legislation creating a Contractor General to address the issue of tendering procedures must be considered." SOURCE

And on the subject of legislation which will recognise the final appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ, he made these comments. They can and must be applied to all the other areas which have been requiring attention and action:

"Why can’t we start believing in ourselves and our competencies? Let there be a vote of conscience, by secret ballot, on whether it becomes the final Court of Appeal or, if as Parliamentarians you lack the confidence to make that change, place it before the electorate by way of public referendum on the ballot paper. The upcoming Local Government Elections, in two months’ time, affords an ideal opportunity for doing this. We must no longer pussyfoot on the matter." SOURCE

We must no longer pussyfoot on any matters that influence the life of this nation because they affect the health of the nation.

In their report, "The Damning Power of Perceptions of Corruption," the authors analysed the empirical assumptions about American public opinion found in the Supreme Court's opinions concerning campaign finance reform. Here is an excerpt:

Perceptions of Corruption and Campaign Finance: When public opinion determines constitutional law. By Nathaniel Persily and Kelli Lammie

-- p. 126

The Buckley Court analogized large campaign contributions to bribes: “To the extent that large contributions are given to secure a political quid pro quo from current and potential office holders, the integrity of our system of representative democracy is undermined.”[17] Corruption by way of campaign contributions is tantamount to corruption by way of payoffs for the recipient’s personal gain. In each case the donor acquires undue influence merely because of the money that changes hands and inures to the candidate’s benefit.

Buckley clarified that corruption extends beyond bribery to “undue influence on an officeholder’s judgment”[18] as manifested in “the broader threat from politicians too compliant with the wishes of large contributors.”[19] In other cases, the Court has described corruption more generally as “a subversion of the political process. Elected officials are influenced to act contrary to their obligations of office by the prospect of financial gain to themselves or infusions of money into their campaigns.”

“Just as troubling to a functioning democracy as classic quid pro quo corruption is the danger that

-- p. 127

officeholders will decide issues not on the merits or the desires of their constituencies, but according to the wishes of those who have made large financial contributions valued by the officeholder.”[21]

Moreover, as should be obvious, corruption in common and legal parlance extends to actions beyond those captured by the concepts of undue influence or bribery. It includes conflicts of interest, graft, extortion, nepotism, cronyism, or patronage, and for the person on the street it may encompass incompetent governance, lying, excessive partisanship, or abuse of power.

In any event, courts have considered the state’s interest in preventing the appearance of corruption as arising from the desire to create a system in which quid pro quos do not appear to be taking place or big donors do not appear to have undue influence.[24] In the Buckley

-- p. 128

Court’s words: “Of almost equal concern as the danger of actual quid pro quo arrangements is the impact of the appearance of corruption stemming from public awareness of the opportunities for abuse inherent in a regime of large individual financial contributions.”[25] Thus, the state has an interest in avoiding these ugly appearances because “public awareness” of the mere opportunity for influence could erode public trust in representatives and representative institutions. “Congress could legitimately conclude that the avoidance of the appearance of improper influence ‘is also critical . . . if confidence in the system of representative [g]overnment is not to be eroded to a disastrous extent.’”[26]

The state has an interest in combating the appearance of corruption, then, not because such appearances are inherently bad, but because such appearances result in second-order effects: public cynicism, alienation, lack of trust, and lack of confidence in government. If government seems to be for sale to the highest bidder, the argument goes, the American people become disenchanted with politics, lose faith in their democracy, and believe that their votes do not make a difference. Under this view, the government loses legitimacy when the public perceives campaign contributions as having a greater effect than do constituent preferences or a representative’s conscience on a representative’s behavior. SOURCE

"Let everything hang open. 
Let government be totally visible. 

The last, the very last, people to hide their actions should be the police and government."

----American psychologist, Timothy Leary

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Equal Justice [Song]

Uploaded by IsDePanInMe
EQUAL JUSTICE
By Singing Sandra

I want to write Shawn Parris a letter
And something tell me to write it fast [Real fast]
As a lil black boy he should know better
Than to be a hitman for the higher class
As all wise cockroach know, to fowl party do not go
They go bus yuh throat like a suckling pig
As you start to spill the beans, Lady Justice intervene
Make your jail alone, ripe and rot like fig.

I only hope them black boys could read the sign [In T&T Justice is blind]
Is only one class that does get confine [In T&T Justice is blind]
She ent deaf for she does hear the jingling coins of them millionaire
I could bet each cage surely without fail
[Is only black man making a jail].

[Equal justice] the people want [Equal justice]
I hear they say how loud cash does tip the scale
[Is only small fish rotting in jail]
[Equal justice] Only small fish [Equal justice]

The Privy Council say Brad Boyce get off easy
And on the judge, they lay the blame
Any time you charge a sawatee
The verdict is always the same - "Not guilty."
Just like Houdini on some technicality
By the hook or crook, they bound to escape
Hold black youth in the grappe, who you feel go take the rap?
And if they try to talk, man, is sour grapes.

I hope you realise as you jab and wine [In T&T Justice is blind]
Is it just Fate or cruel design? [In T&T Justice is blind]
She ent deaf for she does hear all dem whispering millionaire
As they seek she out like the Holy Grail
[Is only black man making a jail]

Equal justice, equal justice
Tell me when, oh, when will it prevail?
Is only small fish rotting in jail
[Equal justice, equal justice]

I hear they condemning accomplice witness
What a lying dog, the picture they paint
Once you talking gun and hitman business
In that den of thieves you won't find no saint
Remember Parmesar? Kitchy call him congosah
On Abdul Malik he bawl like a cow
Well, to tell the truth, the same Karl whey prosecute
Is the same Karl I hear bawling now. [I 'fraid Karl]

I only hope them black boy could understand [In T&T Justice is blind]
No use burying your head in the sand [In T&T Justice is blind]
She ent deaf for she does hear all them big boys and millionaire
On every case they sure to get bail
[Is only black man making a jail]

Equal justice, equal justice
Tell me when, oh, when will it prevail?
Is only small fish rotting in jail
[Equal justice, equal justice]

What is the message they trying to send we?
Well, Sandra think the message is clear
You done nail a black boy already
Why the hell you want to jail a millionaire?
Forget motive and such, there are some you mustn't touch
Protection is the name of the game
Why the hell you want to probe, who you feel you go disrobe?
He's a noble son of global fame.

I hear a big south contractor next in line [In T&T Justice is blind]
To contracting hitmen, they now incline [In T&T Justice is blind]
He need not have no fear, them jail gates he'll never hear
He doh have to put he horses for sale
[Is only black man making a jail]

Equal justice, equal justice
I hear they say how loud cash does tip the scale
[Is only small man making a jail]
Well, Justice so blind I could sing in Braille
[Is only black man making a jail]
Justice so low, way below the pale
[Is only small fish rotting in jail]
They doh catch Kingfish, they doh catch whale
[Is only poor man making a jail]
Like a tiger shark, I hot on dey trail
[Is only poor man making a jail]
Well, Justice so sick, fus she looking frail
[Is only poor man making a jail]
Equal justice, equal justice, equal justice, equal justice...!  

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................  

 

A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Singing Sandra.

 "Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

 Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

"Jamaica's Libel Laws: A Chilling Effect on Crime and Corruption Reporting..."

Reference ID: 10KINGSTON196
Created: 2010-02-08 15:59
Released: 2011-08-30 01:44
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Origin: Embassy Kingston

VZCZCXYZ0016
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKG #0196/01 0391600
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 081559Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY KINGSTON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0666
INFO RUEHKG/AMEMBASSY KINGSTON

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000196

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD ENRG EFIN EINV PREL PINR SOCI TRSY OPIC
IBRD, KCRM, IMF, XL, JM

SUBJECT: Jamaica's Libel Laws: A Chilling Effect on Crime and Corruption Reporting

REF: 09 KINGSTON 121; 08 KINGSTON 648; 08 KINGSTON 328

Jamaica's Libel Laws: A Chilling Effect on Crime and Corruption Reporting

Summary and Analysis
-----------------------------

¶1. (U) Jamaica's libel laws have a chilling effect on
investigative reporting by the press and hinder the media's ability
to bring corruption and criminal activity to light. A duty to
inform subjects of media reporting prior to publishing puts the
subject of a story on notice and provides them with an opportunity
to seek an injunction to stymie publication. The risk of costly
court-awarded damages also discourages media owners from
aggressively pursuing the types of stories that would bring
information about corruption and criminal activity to light.
Libel laws that favor perpetrators may be one of the contributing
factors to the country's seemingly unfixable corruption and crime
problems. In his inaugural speech in September 2007, Prime
Minister (PM) Bruce Golding promised legislative reform for libel
laws; however, to date the process has been slow moving. End
Summary and Analysis.


Libel Laws Protect Criminals, Silence Media
-------------------------------------------

¶2. (SBU) Jamaica's libel laws are used by public figures as a sword
to quiet the voices of dissent and opposition, and by criminals as
a tool to silence investigative reporting of possible criminal
activity. Emboffs spoke with Cliff Hughes, owner of the Nationwide
News Network who said, "As a journalist, if you haven't been sued
for libel, then you're not doing your job." The potentially high
damages for defamation suits have a chilling effect on freedom of
expression and the press. In the landmark case of Anthony Abrahams
v. The Gleaner Company, a jury ordered owners of Jamaica's oldest
newspaper to pay former Minister of Tourism, Eric Anthony Abrahams,
J$80.7 million (then-US $2.5 million) in damages for a defamatory
statement published in the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper. Although the
award was later reduced to J$35 million (then-US $1.1 million), the
award of significant damages encouraged self-censorship among
journalists and media personnel. "A news organization in this
country could be brought down by one libel suit," said Desmond
Richards, President of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ). "How
many news organizations could pay out a US$ 1 million award and
still open the next day?


Example: Libel Laws Effect on Ponzi Schemes
--------------------------------------------- -

¶3. (SBU) Members of the financial community have said that fears of
libel action influenced the lack of media investigation into the
ponzi scheme operations of the Olint and Cash Plus that rose to
prominence for a few years before crashing in 2008 (Reftel A, B,
C). Even the Financial Services Commission (FSC), whose duty is to
supervise and regulate the securities industry, did not report
these clubs to be Ponzi schemes. Hughes told Emboff, "If the FSC,
who is in a position to request documents and gather evidence to
determine if these clubs were legitimate, did not report them as
Ponzi schemes, then media organizations were certainly not going to
take that risk upon themselves."


Putting The Subject of Investigation On Notice
--------------------------------------------

¶4. (SBU) Public officials and wrongdoers have since been able to
use threats of libel suits to prohibit media disclosure of
information in the public interest and hinder press investigations
into possible criminal activity. In addition, the court-created
"responsible journalism" defense to libel has opened the flood
gates for numerous pre-emptive lawsuits. To meet the standard for
this defense, journalists may be required to contact and seek
comment from the subject of a defamatory statement, prior to
publication. Thus, putting the subject of the investigation on
notice of the press interest in their activities and therefore
affording the subject an opportunity to seek an injunction against
publication.


Burden of Proof
--------------------

¶5. (SBU) Under the current Libel and Slander Act, a defendant may
still be criminally tried and imprisoned for publishing a
defamatory statement, even if that statement ultimately is proved
to be true. Jamaica's criminal libel laws were established to
protect English nobility from criticism. This offence was used to
restrict the same freedom of expression now guaranteed by the
Jamaican Constitution. In Justice Hugh Small's report to PM
Golding about changes to Jamaica's libel laws, he notes: "It is
remarkable that under section 7 of the Libel and Slander Act 1851,
the truth of the matters published shall not amount to a defense
unless it was for the public benefit that the matters should be
published." This paragraph also makes reference to how Marcus
Garvey and Leonard Howell were imprisoned for criminal libel. In
addition, Jamaican libel actions only require that claimants show
the comments made about them were defamatory in order to bring a
libel claim. The libel action begins with the assumption that all
defamatory statements are false, placing the burden of proof on the
defendant to show that such defamatory statements are true or
substantially true. Therefore, journalists are forced to
pre-eminently present documented evidence necessary to establish a
libel-proof defense prior to publishing stories of public interest.


Modernizing Jamaica's Libel Laws
--------------------------------

¶6. (SBU) Media professionals have petitioned Parliament to
modernize libel laws in order to bring them in line with the
legislative revisions found in other common law jurisdictions.
Because of the two countries' historical relationship, Jamaica's
libel laws mirrors the laws of the United Kingdom. This approach
to libel values a claimant's reputation over the defendant's right
to freedom of speech. In order to modernize Jamaica's libel laws,
journalists advocate: (1) the elimination of criminal libel as an
offense; and (2) changing the burden of proof from defendant to
plaintiff in a libel action.


Finding a Legislative Solution...
--------------------------------------

¶7. (SBU) Parliament is currently debating proposed amendments to
the libel laws. These amendments were proposed by a 12-person
committee, commissioned by PM Bruce Golding, to review the laws and
make recommendations that would facilitate greater transparency in
government and promote freedom of the expression. In his
inauguration speech in September 2007, PM Golding said he was
committed to ensuring that these laws cannot be used as a firewall
to protect wrongdoers. PM Golding has personally endorsed the
proposed amendments, saying publically: "I believe that those of us
who offer ourselves for public office, particularly elected office,
where we ask the people to trust us and entrust in our hands,
power, must be prepared to expose and subject ourselves to a higher
standard of transparency than the ordinary citizen, who is just
going about his business."


... Is Slow Moving
------------------------

¶8. (SBU) The committee completed and submitted its report to the PM
and Parliament on February 29, 2008. The report recommended
specific legislative changes necessary to meet the Government of
Jamaica's objective of modernizing Jamaica's libel laws "so that
those engaged in corruption can be easily exposed and brought to
justice." According to PM Golding, "the committee did their work,
they submitted their report, we took it to Parliament and it has
spent a long time before a Parliamentary Committee."


Australia As A Model
---------------------------

¶9. (SBU) Although the committee refrained from recommending a
standard to be used by courts to award damages in libel cases,
committee members did recommend that the country adopt legislation
that would allow a judge instead of a jury to determine the
appropriate amount of damages to be awarded to plaintiffs. The
committee highlighted the Australian Defamation Act as a model for
Jamaica. In Australia, the role of the jury is to find whether the
defamatory matter had been published by the defendant, but the
judge assesses the amount of compensation to be awarded. The judge
ensures that there is an "appropriate and rational relationship"
between the amount of compensation awarded and the harm sustained
by the plaintiff. The Australian system also institutes a maximum
amount of damages for non-economic loss and abolishes awards of
punitive damages in defamation cases.

¶10. (SBU) While the committee recommended that criminal libel be
abolished and called for self-regulation of the media, committee
members disagreed on the appropriate standards for determining
libel when public officials sue in relation to statements
concerning public affairs. The committee came up with three
approaches: (1) adopt the American standard to allow citizens, not
acting in actual malice, to freely criticize public officials
regarding matters of public interest; (2) reject the "actual
malice" standard but require that a plaintiff prove the falsity of
a defamatory statement when bringing a libel claim; or (3) leave
the libel laws as is to encourage qualified people to pursue public
office.

Conclusion
--------------

¶11. (SBU) Jamaica faces significant crime and corruption
challenges that hinder economic growth and foreign investment; one
of the tools to root out these problems is an active free press.
Current libel laws restrain investigative journalism and tip the
scales in favor of perpetrators. Like the multiple anti-crime
legislative packages that are currently bogged down in Parliament,
new libel provisions, if adopted, would be important tool to help
the government better combat crime and corruption. Unfortunately,
the political will to ensure legislative reform is passed in a
timely manner is lacking.
Parnell

Source:WikiLeaks

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A Note From The Gull

What is the situation like in Trinidad and Tobago? Fortunately for us in the more salubrious southerly climes, the voice of the people IS the voice of God.

And when this voice of God asks hard questions, the response from those being questioned is guided always by a deep humility and the desire for the whole truth to be revealed.

We have risen above the legal claptrap and we have accepted that in public life, the burden of proof should belong to the one being questioned/accused by the voice of God.

Absolutely NO ONE would ever dream of issuing pre-action protocol letters prior to instituting libel actions against God. Eh heh?? Nothing ent strange...

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Police doing it too [Song]

Uploaded by mightysparrowaz
POLICE DOING IT TOO
By Young Killer [1963]

Well, my wife she want a divorce
If I join up the police force
She say they getting on bad
And she watching national guards
Nowadays is big competition
Between the police force and civilian
Because anything these hooligans do,
The police doing them too.

And don't doubt...

Who you think kill the man in Savannah? [Is a policeman]
Who you think they hold in Bonanza? [Is a policeman]
Who stab he wife Diego Martin? [Is a policeman]
Who accuse poor Cadogan and then get away smiling. [Is a policeman].

-------------for security and harassing anybody
When they have their guns at their side
For safety, best you run and hide
For they go wait patiently until you pass
Shoot at you, and say you had a cutlass
But if the shot catch you in your back
Then they go say is renegades can attack.

And don't doubt...

Who accuse ---------------- Chaguaramas?
And the ham by Hi Lo just last year Christmas?  [Is a policeman].
Who tief the black cow in Erin?  [Is a policeman].
Who you think does tief in dey canteen?  [Is a policeman].

They start with they long time thing
From in the days of Charlie King
Ah fus Charlie was so bad
They burn him alive in Fyzabad
They cease for a while but start again
People 'fraid to walk through Port of Spain
If they arrest you, you  cannot talk
Man, is licks from Elephant Walk.

Who you think kill he wife up in Morvant? [Is a policeman].
Who hang heself Tunapuna? [Is a policeman].
In the trade fair, they catch him hiding like a mouse? [Is a policeman].
Who you think kill heself by the White House? [Is a policeman].

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................


A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Young Killer.    

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

The Truth [Song]

Uploaded by cool4rocknroll

THE TRUTH
By Shadow
Arranged by Art DeCoteau
Album: Mystical Moods

The Truth had a fight on a Saturday night
It was war in the town, the Truth was shot down
The witnesses failed to appear in the court
Bribing their ------- , the case was thrown out.

Money kill the Truth [oh yeah]
The trial was skewed [oh yeah]
Corruption was the jury
The verdict was "Not Guilty."

The Truth tried to prove Corruption was bad
But Money walked in, the results was sad
A big police man with a gun in his hand
Was in love with Money so he just didn't see.

Money kill the Truth [oh yeah]
The trial was skewed [oh yeah]
Corruption was the jury
The verdict was "Not Guilty."

The case was a flop, what a big cover up
When the judge saw Money, he became stupidee
The Crown Prosecutor, Corruption's brother
He didn't waste time, he sold the case for a dime.

Money kill the Truth [oh yeah]
The trial was skewed [oh yeah]
Corruption was the jury
The verdict was "Not Guilty."

Big fete in the place, whiskey by the case
The Truth was buried by deceit and greed
The wife of the Truth was so lovely and cute
They gave her some cash and the matter was crashed

Money kill the Truth [oh yeah]
The trial was skewed [oh yeah]
Corruption was the jury
The verdict was "Not Guilty."

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance!
..............................................................................................................................



A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Shadow.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Shortcut Society [Song]

Uploaded by IsDePanInMe
SHORTCUT SOCIETY
By Mighty Chalkdust (2001)

When I was a little fellow, and mih mother send me to the shop
For me to hurry home quickly, you know, she would tell me take the shortcut
But when I grew up I felt real sad, I found mihself in a funny spot
Cause I notice throughout Trinidad, all man and woman taking shortcut
To get a passport, everybody taking a shortcut
They don't want to line up, they refuse to stand up
To get a US visa, they telling you plainly
Chalkie, do you know somebody? I got plenty money
And to get a diplomatic passport they going through a shortcut
Just hug up Mister Panday and kiss his tender spot
And you don't need no real election to rule the people
The shortcut is possible, just lie down and sleep with the Devil.

We living in Shortcut Country,
Trinidad is a shortcut society... Ah lie?

When I was a little fellow, taking shortcut was the Golden Rule
We had a special shortcut to follow to take us quickly from home to school
To get a job later on was sorrow, if Daddy didn't know Mister ----
I would be a vagrant all now so, if wasn't for shortcut, boy, I dead
Women used to dolls up their hair to go out on a jig
Now is shortcut hairdressing, they just dash on a wig
Children ent learning tables again like those of yesteryear
They have a shortcut teacher, he name calculator
And the shortest way to be a UNC senator
Forget Panday and stay in little Jack Horner's corner
And if you can't get Duprey to give you 2.5 million election dollars
The shortcut, fellahs, is to burn down Police Headquarters.

We living in Shortcut Country, you see,
Trinidad is a shortcut society.

When I was a little fellow and about to make mih shortcut
Mih grandmother used to warn me, you know, not all shortcut does full up your pot
So when Robinson ban them seven losers, he reminded me 'bout mih grandmother
'Cause Robbie told those seven losers plainly, there's no shortcut to democracy
But still, if you want to get kicked out of NAR and UNC
De shortcut is easy, tell the police they duncey
And if you want to throw 'way money like if it ent exist
There's a shortcut to do this, call a man pseudo racist
And vagrants say the shortest way to get more charity
Is to beg for money in a UNC jersey
And mih partner, Gypsy, jump on a helicopter from the Savannah
He now join the Ministry, he looking for shortcuts already.

We living in Shortcut Country, yes,
Trinidad is a shortcut society.

When I was a little fellow, mih neighbour name Compere Robert
He taking shortcut all where he go till we used to call him Shortcut Robert
Well, Shortcut Robert does remind me of Ramesh Maharaj, the AG
For Ramesh try a shortcut to cut down Robbie
And use a shortcut to hang Dole Chadee...Ah lie?
But still, if you want to get rid of NAR and UNC
The shortcut is easy, tell the police they duncey
Young men ent taking out girls again for dinner exclusively
The shortcut too easy - a breast and thigh from KFC
And Shadow wait thirty years to be the top soca ------
Now Bunji Garlin where he lost, he want to try shortcut
And when I see this beautiful car here, and I can't even afford one
I make a shortcut and make dis kaiso for competition...You see?

We living in Shortcut Country, you see,
Trinidad is a shortcut society... Ah lie?

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance!

.............................................................................................


A Note From The Gull

Someday I want to spend some time thinking about emigration as the final "shortcut." It is a difficult subject, especially because there are hundreds of reasons why people feel moved to leave and I would have to put myself under the dissecting knife as well. Some of us left our homeland reluctantly and find ourselves continually asking the question, "Could I have done better for my country by staying?" Is our asking this question a symptom of some misplaced, messianic streak? It is an important question. Having decided that it would be easier [safer] to leapfrog over Trinbago's growth pains into enjoying the fruits of various host countries' more stable environments, we've been leaving in droves for decades and very often among us are the ones who benefited the most from the education system, scholarships and opportunities in our own country.

This observation is absolutely not intended to accuse, or make light of the experiences of, departees who left and are still leaving because of threats of injury or because they are so completely traumatised by actual horrendous injuries suffered in our homeland. For them, staying would be like a shortcut to death. And it is not meant to question any individual's right to go to wherever s/he need to go to to develop her or his talents or live her or his life in peace and safety. It is just a question that not many people want to discuss, neither the ones who leave nor the ones who choose, or have no choice but, to stay.

Thank you, Mighty Chalkdust, for staying.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare