When is the crime in this country ever gonna stop?

(Picture courtesy of the Pakistan Tribune)

In this damn country even a delivery service is considered dangerous. We got a call this morning to deliver medication and other baby items to the Maraisburg Church located on the main road. We usually always deliver to the church and hence it was normal for us to hop into the car and deliver the items. The church building is quite eerie and dilapidated. Hence we always park across the road in the day care centre where it is busy and secure. Suddenly out of no where two gentleman approached us with a cheque folded in a pamphlet. They then told us that Dean, the gentleman who called is not available but he said that we must hand over the packet to them. Naturally, my colleague and I refused stating that we do not accept cheques. We will take the cheque to a bank first, get it cleared and then we will return with the parcel. We then went to FNB bank down town. The queue was horrendous and to be honest the tellers didn't know whether they were coming or going. The bank cleared the cheque without any verification. We then returned to the day care centre to drop off the parcel. The two men disappeared. Upon enquiry it was discovered that the men are part of a syndicate targeting businesses in the Florida area. They use the church's name to order products, issue cheques in return for goods. The cheques obviously bounce and business owners take the knock. It was quite hilarious to learn that a few days ago they ordered sandwiches from a local restaurant claiming that the church is having a charity event and that many platters are required. The driver delivered the sandwiches and he was reimbursed with a cheque that naturally bounced. After two days the driver went back to the church to enquire only to learn from the pastor that there was no charity event and that the church did not require sandwich platters. In our case we were smart in a sense that we did not hand over any items..The cheque got cleared and we had our stock. Then we realized that the cheque is possibly stolen. We then scampered down the road back to the bank where it was discovered from the manager that a client called wondering how come money was withdrawn from her account. Before the bank started their investigation with the camera footage, my colleague and I arrived and returned the money. Naturally, we were thanked and praised for our honesty, quick thinking and integrity. It is just flippin sickening to think about the kind of society we living in. We pride ourselves in helping people that require our assistance. With one call, we get medication delivered or we there if someone falls down and needs assistance. But after what happened today I must say that I honestly feel we just need to shut down this service totally. Our lives were at risk today. We could have been hijacked or robbed in broad day light. We would have simply become another statistic.. I am so angry. I don't mean to be rude or racist, but may be Number 1 and his cronies need to be robbed and thrashed, only then he might just realize that the common citizen lives with fear and paranoia in this country every single day. When is the crime in this country gonna stop?

CRICKET WITH PLEASURE. JAMAICA - FINAL UPDATE

Monday 24 Feb. 2014 11.30 a.m.(6.30 pm SA time)

From the Pegasus Hotel I send greetings as I prepare to spend my last few hours in Kingston Jamaica and head out this evening on a flight to NY where I shall overnight and then move on to Dubai where I shall be virtually heading upon arrival straight to a match in Abu Dhabi where the U/19 World Cup is reaching the very final stages.
My time in Kingston has gone by without incident and the three matches played on Wed, Fri and Sun all went off without any issues that needed my intervention save for two minor breaches of clothing and equipment regulations- for that I am thankful and both teams displayed a fine spirit of sportsmanship throughout the series.
Other than my visit to the Bob Marley Museum I could not really get to visit many other places- the island i very big and Kingston forms but one corner of this country- we need to bear in mind that they are independent countries within the Caribbean.
Did manage to get to many different restaurants during my stay here and three of the umpires are from the West Indies so it was fairly easy for them to make sure we got a feel of local lifestyles as well as cuisine- Jerk Chicken ( not for a vegetarian of course) seems to be a popular dish- tried to get to the famous Devon House ice cream parlours but amazingly the long queues just seemed far too much for us.
For the 9 days here I have enjoyed wonderful weather- ideal for just getting to the pool area and lazing around and taking in the Jamaican lifestyle.
The hotel itself had some well organised activities during our stay here and top of the list was the two day Bridal Fair which attracted top models and guests as well as visitors all dressed immaculately and arriving in all sorts of fancy cars and limousines!
The Emancipation Park across from the hotel is a wonderful facility- each morning we would wald on the 500 m tartan track which forms a central part of the park- wonderful to see how the locals come along to make use of the facility which is immaculately kept- friendly and ready to chat to any visitors at all times. For me the permanent concrete table tennis boards and chess boards strategically placed were highlights and many people made use of these at all hours.
Sabina Park of course was another highlight- the ground where Sir Garfield Sobers scored his famous 365 not out in a Test Match- a record that remained for around 36 years. So to get this opportunity was indeed special Darren Sammy as Capt. Proved to be a superb gentleman and willing to chat at any time- Dwayne Bravo captained the ODI team and he too was really good.
Well now it is time to get moving again- a short trip to the UAE and scheduled to then be back home in PE on 3 March- looking forward to that break.
As they say in these parts Yah Maan. !
Always
Just deV

Thought you might like to see the Jamaican relaxed look!

This is the entrance to the home of Bob Marley- the sculpture that best depicts the Legend. 

56 Hope Road- now the museum which houses some amazing memorabilia depicting the Life and works of Bob Marley- no photographs allowed during the guided tour.

The museum houses his outfits, platinum record awards, citations and decorations awarded to him, as well as a video presentation highlighting his career.

CRICKET WITH PLEASURE. JAMAICA - PART 1

International cricket match referee, Devdas Govindjee shares his Caribbean travel experience with all the blog readers. Dev was recently in Jamaica for two T20 one day international cricket matches. I was joking with Dev, that he has in fact become a travel correspondent for this blog.I am so blessed to be acquainted with such a wonderful human being who loves to impart and share his knowledge and experiences with the rest of the world.

JAMAICA - Sunday 16 February 2014

When the Jet Blue flight 59 touched down at the Norman Manley International airport in Kingston at around 8 pm last evening, all the passengers broke out into a spontaneous and enthusiastic round of continuous applause- this epitomized the spirit of the Caribbean as I arrived for my first ever visit to the West Indies.
Having left Port Elizabeth airport at around 2 pm on Valentine’s Day , I took the SA203 flight which was supposed to be a direct flight from ORTIA in Joburg to JFK in New York – this all changed once the captain announced soon before take off at around 8 pm that we would be heading to Dakar in Senegal – it was explained that weather conditions would not allow a flight without re-fuelling- this after about 8hrs we reached Dakar- an hour later- after re-fuelling and the usual on board security checks we were on our way- the other concern was that the USA had been having severe snowstorms and many flights at JFK had been cancelled or diverted.
Thankfully we were told that the skies had cleared sufficiently for our landing which did happen at around 7.30 am ( USA Eastern Time) on Sat 15th.
Our approach was a spectacle in itself and fortunately my camera was at hand for me to try to capture the blanket of snow that had enveloped the entire JFK airport- the runways had been cleared of all snow and ice and with temperatures below zero it was a freezing arrival into New York’s Terminal 4.
A fter customs and baggage I made my way via the overhead airport train to the next stop to be at Terminal 5 where i would check in and await my 7.30 Jet Blue flight to Kingston.
After a lovely shower and change of clothes in the Air Space lounge I relaxed and sent out some fb messages as well as enjoyed a waiting time by frequenting the terminal shops and getting something to eat .
The 3hr 30 min flight to Jamaica meant that about 38 hours had elapsed from the time i had left PE to the time I arrived at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston- having been met at the airport by the assigned West Indies Cricket Board representative.
After a lovely sleep I was awakened around 6 to the sounds of loudspeakers blaring and reggae music filling the air- down below I could gather that preparations were in hand for some or other walk/fun run and that people in big numbers were gathering in support of the event- as i type balloons have been sent into the heavens and joggers and walkers are all on their way around the area of the hotel.
I have had my swim in a lovely Olympic sized pool set in a garden area which also boasts a jogging track and two stunning tennis courts with seating areas for spectators as well.

My first match of the 3 I am doing here at the famous Sabina Park is on Wednesday so I have three days to get to see as much as i am able to- have stadium inspection as well as a pre-series meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

What am I most looking forward to on my visit to Jamaica?
Nelson Mandela inspired millions around the world- but who inspired Mandela?
Outside of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Martin Luther King jr there was one other person who played an influential role in determining the political outlook and approach of Madiba- that person was MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY- during my lecture days I spent many lectures talking about this philosopher, educator, visionary and an extraordinary charismatic leader.
A visit to the Marcus Garvey museum is high on my agenda – he spent the better part of his life reflecting on the injustices of racism he had experienced in the West Indies as well as during travels in South & Central America. I shall refrain from going into a lecture on Garvey but merely add that in 1914 he founded the worldwide movement known as the Universal Negro Improvement Association & African Communities’ League – vowing to work to change the status quo of the Black man’s lack of influences, power and wealth in the world.
Next on my agenda would be to get into the rhythm of Kingston and this would start with a visit to the Trench Town Culture yard and move on to the Bob Marley Museum- a big fan am I so this is also a dream come true to learn more about the legend – then get to have a night out at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records joint ( use that term with caution of course!)
Time to get this 1st update off and to get down to some breakfast- not sure what to expect of
Caribbean cuisine but lets leave that for my next mail as the Reggae sounds of “ African Queen ” come filtering through my window as the announcer congratulates the finishes of the charity run/walk.

As always

I am Just

deV

Terminal 5 at JFK airport in New York. The warm glows belie the miserable weather outside where temps were below zero with snow covering most of the airport.


Sunrise over the Blue mountains in Kingston Jamaica — in Kingston, Jamaica.

"Out of many,One People" - that's the motto of Jamaica- Across from the hotel is Emancipation Park- these stunning works at the entrance to the Park -the man and woman stare into the heavens, symbolising Jamaicans' rise to freedom.The work is titled Redemption song. — in Kingston, Jamaica.


Emancipation Park- milling with people who took part in a fund raising event today (Sunday) — in Kingston, Jamaica.


My first visit to a national stadium in the Caribbean. The very famous Sabina Park- 1st Test here in 1930. This is where Sir Garfield Sobers scored his 354 not out in a Test Match- a world record that stood for 36 years. Gregory Brathwaite and Joel Wilson the two WI umpires with me. — at Sabina Park.


The beautiful Blue Mountains form a backdrop to this unique "party" section - looks like a vessel sailing along!— at Sabina Park.

                                                              With Maureen Mutunga Rina

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - A gifted super star

Last week Sunday, Gauteng was in for a treat with a knock out performance by the International super star, Sufi singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Rahat Saap has been singing from the age of three years old; born into a legendary family with his uncle being none other than Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who graced South African shores in 1985. He was coincidentally a guest at my uncles home in Durban. The venue, Emperors palace was perfect for the well orchestrated event. Rahat saap sang one hit song after another and enthralled the audience with his beautiful voice. I was captivated with the manner in which he played the harmonium with such control despite singing so many high pitched difficult songs. The first half of the show was simply a warm up to the second half of the show where the crowd took to their feet and clapped to the beat of the music. Rahat Saap has an electrifying stage personality. Whilst introducing members of  his band, he forgot his cousins name and burst out giggling on stage.." Mein apne bhai ka naam bhool gaya" he said with a huge smile on his face. Rahat saap received a standing ovation from the audience who shouted " We want more. We want more." Without any music he ended the show with the song " Dil to bachcha hai jee" During the show I had an opportunity to interact with the show compiere from Pakistan, Mr. Salim Ahmed. He came across as a really humble, down to earth personality and mentioned that Rahat saap is very much a peoples person who loves interacting with his fans especially people who have a flare for music, song and dance. I come from a family that truly appreciates all genres of Hindi music, from Ghazals, Qawwali, Indo pop to Sufi music. I was really looking forward to meeting the maestro himself having met and interacted with numerous Bollywood stars over the years. Whilst Rahat's entourage granted my family and I permission to meet him after the show, members of the organizing company quite rudely prevented us from meeting him as they had already chosen individuals he could meet after the show for a photo shoot. Of course, their friends and family were allowed only.It was also brought to my attention that Pakistanis who were in South Africa for the concert and traveled all the way from New York were also prevented from meeting him despite having met Rahat saap on a number of occasions abroad and of course in their native country Pakistan. It was almost as though the promoting company owned the star. Whilst the show was a sell out, mind blowing event with breathtaking lighting and sound effects, it would be an excellent idea next time if the star had an opportunity to interact with the fans after the show. There were so many young up coming singers in the audience. Meeting a living legend in the singing world would only boost their confidence and encourage them to work harder towards achieving their dreams.