Kelly

Last week, three incidents reminded me about some of the things that sum up Jamaicans.

First of all, we make news whether for the right or wrong reasons (wherever we go). Then we are supremely creative and when we plan, it comes out beautifully. And some a wi salt bad!

On the first note, the Beijing Olympics didn't even get off to an official start but there we were making the headlines, with talk of team protest and unrest in the athletics team. I was just waiting to hear that we had blocked roads, like at the games in Sydney, Australia, in 2000. Not sure how our athletes and the Chinese police would get along. I mean, the Chinese spent a lot of time sprucing up the place, only to have us mash it up! Of course, the foreign and local press would be all over it!

Cooler heads

Whatever the impasse between coach Stephen Francis (by the way coach, those comments about the the other coaches weren't necessary) and the other coaches needs to be put aside. In the end it was a storm in a teacup, but at another event in the future, cooler heads may not prevail.

Minor upheaval (and slight embarrassment) aside, Jamaican creativity showed during the Independence celebrations. The float parade was awesome and the grand gala, which I had to be content with seeing from my television, was a spectacular event, full of the vibrancy, artistry and skill for which Jamaicans are also known. (But hello, how come mi neva hear nuhbady clap the governor general when he arrived? That look bad, man! Kingston mayor, Portia, Bruce and everybody get clap except him? The first citizen? Not nice!) Anyway, the entertainment package was diverse, so there was something for everybody. One and two performers I might have left off the show, but nevertheless, I won't complain.

Anyway, the salt element unfortunately fell on Rudolph Austin. After playing his heart out for club (Portmore United) and country, Austin was on the verge of sealing a deal to play for Stoke City in England's top league. But come the news that for various reasons, including Jamaica's subterranean place in the world football ranking, his work permit was denied.

What a man salt! So many times our local 'ballers are told to work hard and they will get their reward. Work hard he has and what does he get? Nutting! All because we either haven't been playing many games (who wants to play a team considered mediocre?) or when we have played, there haven't been any good results. But I hope Austin keeps his head up and keeps trying. Hopefully, showing another Jamaican trait, he will rebound from the disappointment and succeed. Do yuh ting, my yute!

Check with me at daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com.

Spectators watch the 'Word, Sounds and Power' media float as it travels along Half-Way Tree Road during the Independence Day Float Parade on Wednesday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer