Mark Wignall | The poor man loved and lost his ficus

I knew him from way back. It would be in 1995, at the same time that he adopted the 13-inch ficus. Shut didn’t have much. He lived with a few hill folks, and they cultivated a few ganja plants for sale later on the flat.

If Shut and his woman had a spirited, verbal dust-up, Shut and his ficus would find a quiet corner and give each other comfort. The tropical weather threw just about everything at it. As the storm passed, the ficus gained a new and more sturdy container.

In 2004, during the passage of Ivan, Shut physically wrapped his body around the ficus to give it life.

Last week, the powerful France-based company Rubis, through the expansion of a gas station at Border Avenue, Mannings Hill Road intersection, made Shut’s ficus disappear. Tempers had flared earlier as threats and legal positions were declared. By this time, the ficus was everyone’s friend, all 25 feet of it. The last time we had a discussion over the matter, he said

“Mr Mark, a doan have much. Di big, powerful French have di power fi mash up my life an tek whe my tree.”

He whispered in one of my ears. “Whe yu think a should do?”

“I honestly don’t know,” I said.

PUSHING BACK AGAINST CRIME MONSTER

Jamaica faced its most important international incidents in mid-2010 at just about the time when wanted Jamaican Dudus escaped a dragnet set for him in Tivoli and briefly settled in a section of quiet St Ann.

Our security forces have seen a lot since, including how to deal with high-security risk There has been talk about the return of Dudus.

It is not going to happen said a high- cop I’ve known for over two decades. “The political situation does not require that man’s presence.

“Jamaica is still too far in, in being too settled in the criminal status quo. Look at the young men in shackles at the Half-Way Tree Criminal Court or those passing through at the KPH.”

A large number of Jamaicans like what they see in the new aggression pact by the security forces. As to whether it can snag the vote, the proof will be in the taste of the tart.

INTERNAL POLITICS IS NASTY

A regular reader has tried to follow with interest the drama in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) regarding junior Minister of Tourism Delano Seiveright and his desire to run in ‘retiring’ Karl Samuda’s seat in the next election. “Apparently, JLP supporters were upset enough to create a scene at JLP headquarters earlier this week. Mrs Samuda stated in The Gleaner that Seiveright has her husband’s support and constituency members’ support. JLP party secretary Horace Chang has stated that Seiveright has not “applied” to be the candidate while Christian Tavares Finson has. No, no, no.

Mrs Samuda alleges that Chang is confused. Not a good thing that the minister of national security and deputy PM is confused. Looks to me like Tavares Finson’s father, Tom, has impressed upon PM Holness and Chang that it would be a splendid idea to have his son run in the retiring Samuda’s seat, but it does not look like the constituents or the Samudas like that idea. Does Christian Tavares Finson have any real experience in politics? Has he even engaged the people consistently? Seiveright appears to be working the constituency and is widely liked in the constituency. Looks like the PM does not have his ear to the ground and is tone deaf to what the reality on the ground is. Or he does not care and is beholden to Tavares Finson?

I have never known party internal politics to be the stuff of Sunday School teachers.

Said Seiveright recently: “After careful thought and discussion I’ve made the decision to pause the campaign. This is not a withdrawal. Far from it. It’s simply a moment to allow the party the space it needs to move forward in unity and strength.

“I’m truly grateful for the incredible support, encouragement, and energy you’ve all shown. I don’t take it lightly. But as I’ve always said: No one is bigger than the party and certainly, no one is bigger than Jamaica.

“I remain fully committed to North Central St Andrew and to all of you. My heart is in this, and I’m still here, serving, listening, and working with you every step of the way.”

In other words, the way that the gentleman makes way for those inclined to the ways of others.

Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com.