The world economy has been jolted in a bad way by three countries: the US, Israel, and Iran. Because of Israel’s and America’s attack against Iran, the world now suffers higher oil prices, a severe disruption in energy deliveries, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and financial turmoil throughout the world.
What is not known to the poorest people in developing countries like Jamaica is the general disruption of regular life-saving drugs to those who must rely on monthly medication passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
People in poor and developing countries must struggle even harder to survive. Last week, a clinician related to me the difficulty of the poorest in accessing monthly HIV medication.
“Yes, much of the supply along with other key cargo is tied up in that key waterway and some of us are being forced to prescribe on a two-week basis. If two weeks run off and we have more supplies, then so be it. We prescribe and hope for the best.”
Worse yet, the prolonged armed struggle shows no signs of ending very soon. America’s worldwide goodwill has sunk to the lowest levels since Roosevelt and Truman. America is becoming more isolated than ever. The world is becoming more dangerous for Americans and American business interests.
Trump views himself as a master deal-maker. But he has no true idea of the mindset or mentality of the Iranians. He thought killing their Ayatollah leader and other top leaders would topple the regime. He was wrong.
He thought bombing Iran and destroying its air force, navy, and military assets would topple the regime. He was wrong.
He thought blockading Iranian ports would cause the regime to topple. He was wrong.
Israel’s Netanyahu told Trump that if the Ayatollah and top leaders were killed Iran would submit. Netanyahu was wrong.
So, now the US is in a quandary. Iran feels it has absorbed the worst of the US attack and is still standing and remains defiant. Is it possible that the US attack on Iran made Iran stronger and more feared in the world?
Now, please, if you may, think about this. You have a president, Donald Trump, said to be the most powerful man in the world, having at his fingertips the military brainpower of those who study war.
Beside him is Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, who has spent numerous years in the global spotlight. He is always shadowing the president. Then there is Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, who has the eyes and ears of the military personnel occupying the largest office building in the world, the Pentagon. Unfortunately, his optic nerve is clouded by an excess of testosterone.
And, with all of that, the US is low on certain munitions to attack and/or defend against Iran. Surely this must be a funny night at the Apollo. That is the clearest sign that there was no detailed planning for the attack on Iran. The mightiest military on earth failing to procure enough munitions is implausible; it’s laughable.
Someone in the White House needs to stroll the grounds of a psychiatric ward and confer with the CMO. Trump will blame the military planners, but the truth is Trump decided on a whim to attack Iran and never gave his military planners the time they needed to plan such an attack and war. Meanwhile, the world suffers, including Jamaica. The poor must struggle even more. How sad!
GETTING BACK AT JLP
My friend, who is a PNP supporter wrote this: “You expected me to disagree with you. The JLP is making the most political use of the tapes of PNP members talking about Major General Antony Anderson and NaRRA. In my view the JLP has taken its eyes off the ball badly.
“Come back with me to when Monster Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October 2025. The NaRRA legislation was tabled on April 14 and 15, 2026 in Parliament.
“On April 28 and 29, 2026, the NaRRA legislation was debated in the House. On May 8, 2026, the NaRRA legislation was debated in the Senate, and the NaRRA legislation became law on May 27, 2026.
“It took seven (7), yes, seven (7) months to pass the legislation. I can’t help but be constantly in the corner of the people of the west. Meanwhile the people there, devastated by Monster Melissa, are being given crumbs to rebuild. Certainly based on credible info available to me.
“Thousands are without proper housing, medical, and government services. The JLP stated the model for NaRRA was based upon legislation drafted in New Zealand. So, if a foundation for NaRRA existed, why did it take so very long to draft and pass the legislation in Jamaica? Unacceptable.
“More recently, Major General Anderson was appointed to head NaRRA. His brief remarks after his appointment were that things should be up and running in October 2026. So, one (1) year after western Jamaica was totally devastated, things will get going with NaRRA. How is that acceptable? That is inexcusably slow. Why has this taken so long?
“Being worried about what PNP members say about NaRRA and Anderson is irrelevant. He may be highly respected but he is a public servant. Get used to it. Helping the people of western Jamaica is relevant and ever urgent.
“Did you living in Norbrook or the Golden Triangle lose your home? Or your roof? People in Black River and all around there lost their homes, their livelihood, and children could not go to school. Monster Melissa terrorised the people of western Jamaica.
“They are traumatised, suffering hunger and desolation. The ROOF money and help here and there from the government has been woefully inadequate. If PM Holness were a serious leader, the restoration of western Jamaica would be much further along.”
Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com
