Newsboyphil Reporting from Kingston, Jamaica

So the Prime Minister of Jamaica appeared on the today show with little to say. I understand he has more pressing matters before him, Last weeks general strike is fresh in the ruling governments face as they get set to partake in an extraordinary Presidental race for who will become the next PNP leader and Prime Minister of Jamaica. The race expected to be dominated by Dr Peter Phillips, Minister of National security and Portia Simpson Miller Local Goverrnment minister. Outsiders Dr Karl Blythe and Omar Davies appear atleast at this stage to be trailing the frontrunners.

The Government faced with islandwide protests, led by the Jamaica Labour party, Last Tuesday September 6, 2005 was caught off guard. The public showed widespread disapproval for the current status quo, rising gasoline prices, electricity , water and telephone bills indicate that the cost of living in Jamaica is spiralling and a vicious cycle of poverty seem to be in full flight.

I am considering returning home to Jamaica and am not sure if I can manage the burden of rising cost of living to survive. Its funny while living in the first world we soon forget how difficult it is to survive in the third world. Its true, rentals can start as much as 1,000 US for a 1 bed room small apartment. If you are not careful even more. And what about luxuries, for they are luxuries, that of internet services and eating out at your own shopping convenience. Jamaica is really nice on the surface, especially when you are only going to pass through on vacation perhaps, but, to live you had got to consider the life of a sufferer. The JPS new increase in electricity bills go ahead later this month while the NWC's 10% increase in water bills go ahead next month. Last Month Cable and Wireless was the one ditching out the dirty due, increases in telephone rates, land line, cellular, Internet you name it some one has got to pay.