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

"Criminal networks are exploiting global vulnerabilities on a vast scale from human trafficking to environmental destruction and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, posing serious challenges that no country can tackle alone."- United Nations. On 15 November 2024, the world marks the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) , established by the United Nations General Assembly. This day highlights the urgent need for global solidarity to counter the rising threat of organized crime, which undermines peace, security and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme is Pulling Together to Push Back: United against Organized Crime. TOC Day calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope. This day serves as

Diabetes is a complex disease that impacts both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. They must be resilient, organized, and responsible. Diabetes affect around 14 percent of all adults worldwide in 2022, compared to seven percent in 1990, according to the new analysis in The Lancet Journal. Disturbingly, the team of researchers estimated that more than 800 million people are now diabetic, compared to less than 200 million in 1990. These figures include both main types of diabetes. Diabetes in North America and the Caribbean . In the Americas, diabetes was recorded as the fourth leading cause of death and disability in 2019. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, North America and the Caribbean are ranked 4th in the world, with an age-adjusted comparative diabetes prevalence in adults 20-79 years of age of 11.1%. Projected preva

“The Electoral College is an outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society, and it needs to change immediately.”- Senator Barbara Boxer. The US presidential election is a global event. The outcome is not only important for the American society but for the wider international community. The United States of America is viewed as the leader of the free world and recognized as the hegemonic power in geo-political issues. The choice American voters faced for president on Election Day was between Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. At the end of the election night Tuesday, November 5th Donald Trump soared to a decisive election victory over Kamala Harris. Trump showed muscle with the white working-class voters who first propelled him to the presidency in 2016, while gaining huge support from Latino voters. Since 2016 Trump has consistently gained support from the Latino community. Undoubtedly, Trump over-performed among key d

“The Black intellectual, the Black academic must attach himself to the activity of the Black masses.”- Dr. Walter Rodney. The 26th annual Walter Rodney Lecture was held on October 24, 2024 at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies. The yearly lecture which has become an integral part of the UWI calendar of events was hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and the Reggae Studies Unit, both in the Faculty of Humanities and Education. Professor Donna Hope was among the academics who brought greetings. Professor Hope stated that it was important that students be introduced to Dr. Rodney in order to understand the importance of this kind of activism and the impact it had and is still having not only on the Jamaican society but the wider Caribbean. The professor added that Dr. Rodney played a critical part in the period of transformation that occurred in the Caribbean region especially as it relates to identity and more specifically the identity of black people.

“You are not allowed to give up. If they decide to kill me, it means we are incredibly strong. – Alexei Navalny. The world woke to the breaking news on Friday, February 16th, 2024 that Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent and charismatic opposition leader had died in a Russian prison camp. Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service said Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived, but he could not be revived. The service said his cause of death was “being established.” The statement from the Penitentiary Service appears well scripted and gave no details. Aptly nicknamed the Polar Wolf , the prison sits above the Arctic Circle and is described as a "special regime colony", with temperatures in the region plummeting to -30C in winter. It's so much on the outskirts of civilization that it makes it nearly impossible for visitors to reach the site. Navalny was transported to the prison from his previous incarceration at the Melekhovo colony,

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.” - Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Culture is meant to be responsive to change. In fact, humans also are responsive to their cultural space. The relationship is therefore one of reciprocity and works beautifully when in alignment. Notwithstanding, culture is shaped by both internal and external agents. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines culture as “the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, that encompasses, not only art and literature but lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, t

Human sexuality can be a complex topic to discuss. In fact, many are rather coy to openly have a discussion on the issue. As a result a lot of misinformation has been cultivated and have been circulated around this discourse. Unfortunately, even within education circles the half truths and misinformation have been allowed free passage given that the topic is still very much tabooed. Since the start of the 2000’s there have been resurgence regarding sexuality. During our lifetime we will experience various types of relationships. The construction and complexities of human sexuality is impacted through various media. Sexuality is everywhere: in books, movies, on television, in online videos, religion, school, games, in advertisements, social media platforms and on the internet. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexuality as a central aspect of being human throughout life: that encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy a

“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. – Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Who cares about National Heroes’ Day? For a significant number of Jamaicans this public holiday is merely a day for fun and frolic rooted in a culture of entertainment. Many of us as Jamaicans are far-removed from the historical significance of this important day. Unfortunately, our public holidays are seen as a sort of escapism to deflect from the harsh economic realities that so many of us experience daily. The nation’s once rich sense of national identity and pride requires a reset. The discourse concerning National Heroes’ Day needs to be broadened and more inclusive. Without a doubt there is a forced sense concerning our heritage. As a result, the nation continues to grapple with a diminished sense of national identity and pride. This diminished sense of national identity and pride is seen across the landscape of Jamaica. Our people have become fixate

“So many women I've talked to see menopause as an ending. I've discovered that this is your moment to reinvent yourself after years of focusing on the needs of everyone else.”- Oprah Winfrey. Menopause affects half the world’s population, yet the issue remains shrouded in secrecy including in the workplace. The United Nations Population Fund adds that menopause affects more than one in five members of the global workforce, yet menopause is often dismissed, stigmatized and misunderstood, leaving many women to endure this phase in silence. This discrimination many women face is further rooted in the medicalisation of women’s bodies. This patriarchal process is one in which women’s bodies have been claimed and redefined by medicine. Unfortunately, during this phase women are rendered powerless over their own bodies. The medicalisation of women's body includes their reproductive biological and natural functions such as, aging premenstrual symptoms (PMS), menstruation, menopau

“Hunger is still one of the biggest and most solvable problems in the world, but it is possible to end hunger.”- World Food Programme. Around 733 million people are facing hunger in the world due to repeated weather shocks, conflicts, wars, man-made humanitarian crises, economic downturns, inequality, and the pandemic. Everyone has a right to food. Food sustains us. World Food Day is observed on 16 October. This special day is organized by the United Nations in order to raise awareness about hunger around the world. This day serves as a reminder of the need to ensure food security and access to nutritious food for all. It also highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and food production to address global food challenges. World Food Day is an opportunity to come together as a global community and work towards a world where no one goes to bed hungry. This year's theme is 'foods for a better life and a better future' . The world's farmers produce enough fo