( L - R ) Simpson Miller and Golding

1. If there's a Jezebel in Jamaican and Caribbean politics, it is the name-caller, as with a husband who supposedly died at his own hand; a stint in Grenada that saw her beating a hasty retreat to Trinidad; a less that lovey-dovey departure from that twin island republic; and a series of unladylike comments and behaviour since returning here, this is not even a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

2. Unfortunately, his relatives are convinced, and firmly so, that he was the victim of foul play, poisoned they say, by one of those closest to him. His colleagues, on the other hand, say otherwise, as they, too, had heard the rumours about his suspected poisoning, and went to the police, who stepped in, conducted investigations, and came up with no evidence to support that accusation. Sadly, he, too, was convinced that he was being done in by those closest to him, and so even in death the controversy rages.

3. The last will and testament has been found. It seems that all's well that ends well. The relatives, who journeyed from Down Under and even started negotiations to sell the expected inheritance to a north coast developer, went home empty-handed as the will bequeathed the property and vast art collection to his companion of many years. The will, however, was more than 10 years old, and there was a new companion to be considered, and so even though there were no preparations in the will for this new companion, the benefactor has generously agreed to a lump-sum payment to that party, and so all's well!

4. And after their rush to judgement, and partisan attempts to 'curry favour', it seems that many are eating more than humble pie these days, as they now have to dig deep into their pockets to facilitate an out-of-court settlement, for their hand in defaming members of the illustrious family.

5. And all the talk about the dancer/model being drugged and lured into performing all kinds of acts with another male does not hold water. There is a signed release by the model/dancer, stating his age and consent to be so filmed.

6. Strange, is how some are describing the absence of financing for the Opposition party, as people are asking what has happened to the promised money that would have rolled in if they threw their former leader overboard. Now that they have, why are the funds not pouring in?

7. The would-be lady needs to get a grip on it, "as ah no everything good fi eat, good fi talk", especially in public. Nuff said!

8. Bruce Golding's Budget presentation, while lacking in specificity, was generally well presented. And he was decidedly a new man at his after-budget reception, as he worked the crowd, and pressed flesh - a change from his distant deadpan personality and expression, and coupled with the hordes of people who turned out for the reception, it was a huge success!

9. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller came into her own with her second Budget presentation since her ascendancy to the top political job. Not only was she more comfortable and commanding, she had specifics and some accomplishments and real meat to offer in her presentation. And while her presentation could have been just a little less long, she gave as good as she got, and even better, as she pointed out that someone was trying to "colt the game", and went on to bow!

10. Some are saying the general elections, whenever they are called, will produce a much closer seat count than most are predicting; the closer it is, the more unstable the Opposition will be, as there are some in the Opposition who, if they win their seats, would cross the floor to join the ranks of the Government.