Orville W. Taylor

There is a doctor whose name is Sheshiah

For six months they called him a liah,

But the three from abroad

Could not prove him a fraud

Now, he's relentless like California's fiah

Several months ago, everybody wanted to burn Ere Sheshaiah at the stake for declaring that the late Pakistan coach, Bob Woolmer, was murdered. According to the good doctor, somebody had choked him manually. My main problem with the original conclusions was the quaint expression, because it is difficult to conceive of strangulation done automatically. Perhaps, by 'manual' it meant that like motor vehicles, he was 'clutched' to death.

In earlier columns, I had made the point that despite the arrogance of natural scientists, there were scientific disciplines that were far less accurate than social sciences in predicting or explaining phenomena. For example, sociology has been more consistent in forecasting the outcome of general elections in Jamaica and in explaining and foretelling the increase in criminal activity since the late 1990s. On the other hand, meteorology has helped to prepare us for rain on at least one occasion, I saw a weatherman huddled under a New Kingston bus stop with no umbrella. In plotting the expected path of hurricanes, it is often guesswork, and more than half of the times when they point directly to Jamdown, they either change course or wobble like politicians.

Imprecise sciences

Pathology is one of those imprecise sciences where the guess of the local is at least as good as the 'guests'. After Woolmer's death, it was difficult to understand why the British press seemed to know that he was poisoned by a substance occurring widely in the Indian subcontinent, even before our local pathologist, also originally from that region, had seen the toxicology reports. Yet, ironically, after much international hoopla and local statements about the incompetence of our police, including the imported British socialite, everyone wanted Sheshiah's head. Even the present ruling party, then in Opposition, criticised him

But Indians are 'fired' only when they die and are placed on a pyre. Seshaiah was not backing down. Despite the odds, he fought with his back against the wall like a fierce mongoose. Timid animals will fight ferociously when cornered; Sheshiah is even better when 'coronered'. At this point, the evidence seems irrefutable that Woolmer was poisoned. So, the pendulum is swinging towards him. What do they have to say now?

Speaking of backing up and forensics, let's try to shine some light on a glowing controversy. Evidence has arisen that at the 11th hour, as the Peoples' National Party (PNP) packed up to leave the Technology Ministry, $3.3 million was paid to a largely unknown company, while another $85.6 million was owed to a related entity. All of this was to distribute free fluorescent bulbs that the government of Cuba had given us. Intended to save us $169 million, the bulbs have left the new government with a bill of $276.5 million.

It is true that fluorescent bulbs produce significantly less greenhouse gas and therefore, are more environmentally friendly, since they burn 70 to 75 per cent less energy than normal incandescent bulbs, to produce the same amount of light. After all, those bulbs were invented by African American Lewis Latimer in 1881, who perfected Thomas Edison's short-burning prototype, the year before. For the record, Edison did not invent the light bulb, because Sir Humphrey Davy had developed the platinum filament lamp in 1802. Fluorescent lamps are cooler and in the long run, should really save us money if they don't blow out too early. Unfortunately, many of them do.

"Unfortunate," is how Leader of Opposition, Portia Simpson-Miller describes it. "Embarrassing" is a better word, as once again, Philip Paulwell's stewardship has humiliated her his is not the up-front name in this matter, he must have some background knowledge and must be brought to book.

But before we bring out the rope to hang him, let us be careful who we 'Lynch'. John, whose surname is coincidentally, the most terrifying word for African Americans, has been forced upon us as chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) the hyoid bone of the JTB has not yet been broken, it is difficult to believe that in being the employee of a major player in the industry he can objectively operate in the interest of the country, even where it runs counter to the interests of his company. Lynch's installation could potentially give to the tourism magnate, a choke-hold on the industry, while many of his competitors are left 'hanging'.

Sheer hypocrisy

In an act of sheer hypocrisy, his candidature is supported by his employer, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, who opposed the similar appointment of another John from the House of Issa, in the 1980s. By the way, is Lynch still a member of the St. Lucia Tourist Board? His competence and expertise are unquestionable, but clearly he does not have his finger on the 'Pulse' of transparent government as Kingsley Cooper, who declined his minor appointment to the board of Air Jamaica. What are we to expect next? Bipartisan support for security tycoon, Kenny Benjamin as commissioner?

Finally, as we fight for this little piece of rock, an area more than half the size of the island is burning out of control. We had better fret, because California's economy is larger than all but seven countries' and comprises 13 per cent of Uncle Sam's total production. An economic decline there could double the price of imported American goods and services here.

But who cares? The tourists will just run to the all-inclusive Jamaican hotels.

Dr. Orville Taylor is senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at University of the West Indies, Mona.