Same Stuff, Different Day!

Hey, it's been a while!

I'd really like to tell you all the exciting goings on here but, alas, there hasn't been anything new (that I can discuss here) happen since the first of Feb.

All in all, shipping volumes are down about 20% from normal across the board. All the forecasts from the industry are dismal, and this country is on the verge of an uprising of the people that will make what happened in Haiti back in 2004 seem like child's play.

My current contract period is over in a few months and I think I'm going to call it quits and head back to the good ole USA, because no matter how bad we Americans think the economy is, the reality of it in a country like Jamaica is much worse. Things are going to get very ugly and extremely dangerous here really fast. We have already seen signs of active corruption in areas believed to be free of this sort of thing, and violence in Jamaica is increasing. People are feeling the economic pinch and falling to the temptation of the easy, fast money of the drug trade.

There are times when I wish I was back in a large tourist community, like Montego Bay, where the economy revolves around the tourist industry. People in those communities are more aware that if visitors (ie tourists) feel uncomfortable or feel like the area is not safe for them, they will tend to pick someplace else (like Mexico, or Europe) to spend their money.

On the bright side of things, the attendance numbers at the churches here in Jamaica is up. Now overall, you would think that this type of thing would be good right? Maybe...maybe not.

I would like to tell you about what was in one of the national papers (The Gleaner) two weeks ago. One of the national denominational leaders here in Jamaica, I won't say which, so as not to offend, stated in a statement to the press, that he thought the average citizens in this country should be given weapons (handguns) with which to use on potential attackers! Now forgive my ignorance, but if this is a supposed man of God telling the people of this nation to use violence against each other, and to take justice into their own hands, this country is doomed. What happened to the peace of God? What happened to love thy neighbor as thyself? What happened to trusting in the everpresent, and all powerful, God? I like to believe that the good in people will be drawn out during hardship and strife, and though sometimes I get disappointed with what I see in people, I have to trust that God knows the big picture, and that he is still in control. I was shocked to read this and worried that all the work of good pastors of this nation would be destroyed. How can one pastor tell his flock that peace is the answer and that forgiveness is the way, only to see another pastor say kill them all and let God sort them out!

OK, I think I've rambled on long enough for this entry. Leave a remark if you want and let me know you where here. Until next time. Lata Mon!