Sports Development in Treasure Beach and University of the West Indies (Mona)

Kingston--Jamaica welcomed the launch of two new sport development facilities last week.  The first happened in an open field in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth and the second took place at the University of West Indies (UWI) in Kingston, St. Andrew.

Although Usain Bolt is bringing world attention to Jamaica's sporting abilities, both developments have been planned for years. 

With the international success of their soccer, netball, cricket, bobsled and track and field teams, there’s a movement in Jamaica to help nurture the raw talent on the island by improving and creating new sports infrastructures.

Staying at Jakes

Treasure Beach-- Something told me to look under the bed.  Why?  I didn't store any bags or shoes there.   But I try to obey the quiet voices when I hear them.  Well my hearing was fine but I wasn't sure about my sight.  I wasn't wearing my eyeglasses which I need for distance and thought I saw a statue under the bed.  So I found my eyeglasses and was back on one knee looking under the bed only to see that a dog was sleeping there.  Completely quiet and still was Blackie, one of the resort's dog. 

Wow.  I’ve heard about letting sleeping dogs lie -- but under my bed?  She opened her eyes and looked at me.  No fear, no trepidation.  She looked at me as if to ask do you have a problem?  I couldn’t help but laugh.  Since it was now very clear I was the visitor and she was at home. 

Journeys Across Jamaica

Finally, it rained yesterday. I mean really rained. As in close to three hours and not the 10-minute kiss that’s normal in the Caribbean. Yeeaaahhhh. There’s certainly a lot of danger in having too much rain but when there’s none you really treasure what you have. For about seven months Jamaica has been experiencing a serious drought. Parts of the island have received sprinkling of rain but nothing to quench the thirst of the people, animals and earth.The national papers and a news program have published stories of communities praying for rain; members of the clergy saying the drought is a result of the country’s sinful ways; people stealing water from school tanks over the weekend when the schools are closed; schools closed because there’s no water and government officials pleading with the citizens to be careful in clearing land by fire because there’s no water to stop a potential blaze.