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

The recent awkward incident involving Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle and a female journalist is probably a good launch area to have a discourse on Caribbean masculinity. The construction of Caribbean masculinity needs to be re-examined in light of the Chris Gayle incident involving female Australian journalist Mel McLaughlin. Gayle’s sexually coded comments were inappropriate. He was fined for his sexually suggestive remarks to the journalist who, after all, was only doing her job in trying to get an interview with him. Historically, the threads of masculinity and manhood are deeply entrenched and linked to the sexual objectification and harassment of women. Alarmingly, not much has changed in the 21 st century and the prognosis suggests not much will change any time soon.   This toxic notion of masculinity is very much celebrated throughout the society and is being eagerly passed on to our boys, especially when juxtaposed with our homophobic culture. Disturbingly, our education sy

New Years Sunday Sermon Bible Verse- Psalm chapter 127 verses 1&2 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watcheth but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Theme: Say No To Vain Living. Many of us are currently living a vain life. A life without God is an empty, fruitless and useless one. We can and should examine our own lives to see whether or not we are living an empty life. If our life is primarily concerned with superficial issues while excluding God then we are guilty of such. Are you concerned with how many followers you have on Social Media? Are you concerned with your looks? Are you spending less and less time reading the word of God? Are you spending less time in worship to God? If you answer in the affirmative, then you too are guilty of this. I know it is not easy in this world to remain focus. However, we

May you soar like the eagle. May joy, prosperity and good health be yours. May you find spiritual renewal as you journey through 2016. May the Lord bless and keep you always. Wishing everyone a happy New Year.