The Hon. Rev. Ronald G. Thwaites, BA, M.A. J.P. M.P delivered the sixth annual Caribbean International Network, (CIN) lecture at Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in African American Culture.

“Ronnie was at his best,” commented one of the attendees, who also listens to Rev. Thwaites daily broadcasts beamed into New York City.  A true renaissance man, he is a pastor, lawyer, scholar, author Member of Parliament, an exemplary social commentator and the host of the country’s most listened to radio program.

His remarks were humorous, illuminating and often painful. The audience roared with laughter as he wove stories about his many years as a MP from central Kingston and from his years of doing live radio. There was a celebratory air to his thoughts as he spoke on the beauty of Jamaican musical and artistic accomplishments. Such commentary was contrasted by the data he listed describing the rise in poverty, increase in fatherless homes and the alarming rate of school drop outs. One of his observations was especially alarming. “Jamaica’s per-capita income in 2007 was US $3,000 and has the second lowest growth rate of any country in the hemisphere; second only to Haiti.”

Yet, Rev. Twaites offered specific, hopeful solutions for each issue pointed out. His moist created recipe was to unleash the natural entrepreneurial talent found among the Jamaican people. He proposed making legitimate, licensed businesses out of those now operating in the shadows. The businesses would prosper and the country would benefit from greatly enhanced tax revenues.

Ronnie provided much food for thought. He is a uniquely gifted orator able to entertain while discussing critical social concerns. We were proud to have him deliver this year’s lecture,” commented Stephen Hill CIN’s CEO.

Over the years the CIN Caribbean Lecture Series has presented individuals of unique accomplishment and uncommon commitment to the political, economic and social advancement of the Caribbean region. Distinguished past presenters are two former Prime Ministers, P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga, UCLA Professor Robert Hill, the late UWI distinguished Professor, Rex Nettleford and Lowell Horthorne, CEO of Golden Krust restaurants.