The Intersection of Gender, Culture and Education: Jamaica: The Next 50 Years!

During the tabling of the 2013-2014 Budget in Parliament the Ministry of Education was allocated $76 billion out of $602 billion to conduct its affair, including the payment of teachers’ salaries. Over the years many individuals have argued that Jamaica has not been receiving a fair return on investments made in education. This school of thought has gained traction in many circles, especially with the most recent report from the National Education Inspectorate (NEI). According to the 2014 National Education Inspectorate (NEI) report more than sixty per cent (60%) of the country, s primary and secondary schools are failing in their education delivery to students. Also emerging from the same NEI report is a most disturbing fact which is threatening to become a trend. In many of the nation’s underperforming schools the report found a lack of effective and transformational leadership. This comes as no surprise, however,especially since those schools which are highly sought after by stud

At least 113 persons have died in the Americas, after becoming infected with the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus, the Pan-American Health Organization reported. The figure which was released by PAHO in its latest report, includes figures as of September 12th. 55 deaths linked to the virus were recorded in Martinique, 49 in Guadeloupe, 6 in the Dominican Republic and 3 St. Maaarten, where the virus was first discovered in the Americas.  The threat posed by Chikungunya virus to schools and other public places of gathering is real. From all accounts the cases of domestic Chikungunya virus have been on the increase in Jamaica with almost daily confirmations from health officials. Jamaica has had 31 confirmed cases and 251 suspected cases to date. Trinidad and Tobago has had 80 confirmed cases to date. Citizens across the Caribbean region have been advised to take a number of precautionary measures to minimize the breeding areas of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which is responsible for tran

My heart is exceedingly overjoyed Your mercy oh Lord expands the universe You have healed my wounds And repaired my broken heart Your name is worthy to be praised From the East to the West, From the North to the South You alone oh Lord are worthy! Amen! © 2014

As someone who lost a cousin due to a mental disorder I know of some of the pain that family and friends experience daily.The issue of mental issue is often downplayed in many societies and in many families. Mental disorder can affect an individual regardless of sex, age, colour, religion. Additionally, the sigma attached to mental health makes it more challenging for those who struggle with this type of illness to seek help. Depression is only one form of mental disorder which severely affects the functioning of the brain.We need to be more sensitive to those who struggle with mental health issues. Reach out today to someone affected and impacted by this disease in an effort to restore hope to that person. Mental health should be everyone's business.

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven...."         

The international community is once again being called upon to act urgently in preventing the onslaught of scores of Iraqis by the militant group ISIS. The Islamic group, ISIS- which stands for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria continues to capture vast areas of territory in their quest to extent and strengthen the creation of a caliphate designed to be the hub of a purely Islamic state. The Sunni backed militant group has been most brutal. They have been moving across the landscape of Syria and Iraqi rapidly capturing huge land holdings in a killing spree. ISIS have been beheading and torturing minority groups such as Christians and the Yazidis people of Iraq. T his has resulted in a humanitarian crisis as many of these persecuted people have had to flee their homes and are now facing starvation and imminent death. Sadly, the Iraqi army which the United States of America trained has proven useless in providing protect for these people. According to the United Nations, some 200,000

Fifty two years ago Jamaica became an independent and proud nation. Despite the challenges God has been good. Let us celebrate and commemorate this milestone in our country,s journey. Happy Independence Day.

Jeremiah 32:17   Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? Psalm 116:12

Marcus Mosiah Garvey, "The black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness".