Gregory gone

The 'Cool Ruler' passed away last week. Gregory Isaacs went to the big oldies session in the sky, and like Sugar Minott earlier this year, we are going to miss him. I'll probably miss Isaacs more because my parents (dad especially) is a big fan; so I know more of Isaacs' songs. About a day after he died, there was a lively debate among some men about which song was his best. The usual names like Night Nurse were thrown out and another, Front Door, was also a popular pick. A day later, a gentleman who missed the first discussion gave his opinion. His favourite? "Hop off a mi fenda, nasty naygah!" he said, singing it with gusto!

He belted it out with such conviction, I had to take notice. Personally, Love Is Overdue is the late great's best, but I can understand the sentiment with the 'fenda' song. We all at some point would love to say that to a few people. Unfortunately, at times, the person who deserves it the most is 'higher up' than you are and you know that if you do finish that sentence, it could be the last you make for a while. Perhaps there's a creative way to express the sentiment. Make it the ringtone or wear a T-shirt with those words emblazoned on it. You know, if you make arrangements with Isaacs' estate, you can make some money for his family and yourself.

Impending apocalypse

Anyway, here's another sign of the impending apocalypse. Peter Bossman is the new mayor of a town in Slovenia. The thing is, Mr Bossman (appropriate name if you think about it since he is now the boss) was born in Ghana. I know with people pursuing education and job opportunities outside their country, or even continent, is not new. And I have no idea what Slovenia's race-relations record is like.

But I still went "huh?" when I heard his story. To be from another country and 'fit in' is one thing. To have the respect of more than half the voting public (it was a close race) is quite something else. It gives me hope that humans in all corners of the world have finally realised it's what happens in the hearts of people rather than their skin colour. I say good luck to Peter Bossman, and may your time in office be fruitful; for all races!

I end with the French workers who continue to protest. They marched and lobbied for weeks, trying to stop the government's pension-reform plan (including raising the retirement age). Though it seems they won't succeed (parliament has voted in favour of the reforms), you have to admire their fighting spirit.

Tell me your favourite Gregory tune at daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com